Show ContentsGilkison History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Gilkison is one of the names derived from the families of the ancient Dalriadan clans of Scotland. It is derived from the Gaelic "Gille Criosd", which means "the servant of Christ".

Early Origins of the Gilkison family

The surname Gilkison was first found in Angus (Gaelic: Aonghas), part of the Tayside region of northeastern Scotland, and present day Council Area of Angus, formerly known as Forfar or Forfarshire, where they held a family seat some say as far back as the 12th century. The first record of the name was in Cupar-Angus in the 15th century where they held a family seat at Murthly in Atholl, in the parish of Little Dunkeld in Perthshire.

Early History of the Gilkison family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Gilkison research. Another 88 words (6 lines of text) covering the years 1600, 1680 and 1800 are included under the topic Early Gilkison History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Gilkison Spelling Variations

Spelling in the medieval era was a highly imprecise process. Translation, particularly from Gaelic to English, was little better. For these reasons, early Scottish names are rife with spelling variations. In various documents Gilkison has been spelled Gilchristson, Gilkerson, Gilkison, Gilcriston, Gilkersone, MacGilchrist, McGilchrist, Gilchristoun, Kilkerson, Gilkisone, Gilkrisoune, Gilkcrissone and many more.

Early Notables of the Gilkison family

More information is included under the topic Early Gilkison Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Ireland Migration of the Gilkison family to Ireland

Some of the Gilkison family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt. More information about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Gilkison family

The hardy Scots who made the crossing settled all along the east coast of North America and in the great west that was just then opening up. At the time of the American War of Independence, many United Empire Loyalists moved north from the American colonies to Canada. Scottish national heritage became better known in North America in the 20th century through highland games and other patriotic events. An examination of immigration records and passenger ship lists revealed that people bearing the name Gilkison arrived in North America very early: Archibald and Robert Gilkeson settled in Augusta County, Virginia in 1767.


Contemporary Notables of the name Gilkison (post 1700) +

  • Jason Gilkison, Australian professional ballroom dance champion and choreographer
  • Eugene Gilkison Wanger (b. 1933), American Republican politician, Delegate to Michigan State Constitutional Convention from Ingham County 1st District, 1961-62; Candidate in primary for Michigan State Senate 24th District, 1966 1


  1. The Political Graveyard: Alphabetical Name Index. (Retrieved 2016, January 18) . Retrieved from http://politicalgraveyard.com/alpha/index.html


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