The root of the ancient Dalriadan-Scottish name Gilies is the Gaelic words "gille Iose," which means "servant of Jesus."
The surname Gilies was first found in Lothian, where a member of the family was a witness to the charter, by King David I, to the Abbey of Holyrood. In 1160, Vhtred Gilise inherited the estates in Lothian. It is also recorded that M. filius Gilise, who was a close confidant of King Malcolm IV of Scotland, was witness to a charter signed at the Abbey of Scone in 1164.
This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Gilies research. Another 65 words (5 lines of text) covering the years 1264, 1376, 1521, 1747, 1836, 1778 and 1793 are included under the topic Early Gilies History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
The translation of Gaelic names in the Middle Ages was not a task undertaken with great care. Records from that era show an enormous number of spelling variations, even in names referring to the same person. Over the years Gilies has appeared as Gillies, Gillis, Gillie, Gilly, Gilles, Gillieson and many more.
Another 33 words (2 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Gilies Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Some of the Gilies family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 50 words (4 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.