| ![Show Contents]() Gilleece History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms
- Origins Available:
 Scotland Ireland In the mountains of Scotland's west coast and on the Hebrides islands, the ancestors of the Gilleece family were born. Their name comes from the Gaelic words "gille Iose," which means "servant of Jesus." Early Origins of the Gilleece familyThe surname Gilleece 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. Early History of the Gilleece familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Gilleece research. Another 65 words (5 lines of text) covering the years 1264, 1376, 1521, 1747, 1778, 1793, 1836 and 1890 are included under the topic Early Gilleece History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Gilleece Spelling VariationsSpelling variations are a very common occurrence in records of early Scottish names. They result from the repeated and inaccurate translations that many names went through in the course of various English occupations of Scotland. Gilleece has been spelled Gillies, Gillis, Gillie, Gilly, Gilles, Gillieson and many more. Early Notables of the Gilleece familyAnother 33 words (2 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Gilleece Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.  Migration of the Gilleece family to Ireland
Some of the Gilleece 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. Migration of the Gilleece familyScottish settlers arrived in many of the communities that became the backbones of the United States and Canada. Many stayed, but some headed west for the endless open country of the prairies. In the American War of Independence, many Scots who remained loyal to England re-settled in Canada as United Empire Loyalists. Scots across North America were able to recover much of their lost heritage in the 20th century as Clan societies and highland games sprang up across North America. Early immigration and passenger lists have documented some of the first Gilleeces to arrive on North American shores: Annette Gillis landed in New York in 1662; Elin Gillis settled in Virginia in 1649; Sarah Gillis settled in New Jersey in 1773; Ann Gillies settled in Pennsylvania in 1773.
| Contemporary Notables of the name Gilleece (post 1700) | + |
- Brian Gilleece, American actor, known form his roles in The Inspectors (2017), Daddy Issues (2018), Westworld (220), Echo Base (2023), and The Big Day (2016).
- John Gilleece, American actor, known for A Guy Named Rick (2013), The Children of Hip Hop (2016) and Two Lost in a Dirty Night (2002)
- Tom Gilleece, American actor, known for Monster! or, The Re-Dead, (2010) The VelociPastor (2018) and The VelociPastor Trailer (2011)
- Mark Gilleece, American editor, known for his work in Ella Enchanted (2004) and Young Ones (2014)
The motto was originally a war cry or slogan. Mottoes first began to be shown with arms in the 14th and 15th centuries, but were not in general use until the 17th century. Thus the oldest coats of arms generally do not include a motto. Mottoes seldom form part of the grant of arms: Under most heraldic authorities, a motto is an optional component of the coat of arms, and can be added to or changed at will; many families have chosen not to display a motto.
Motto: Touch not the cat bot a glove
Motto Translation: Touch not the cat without a glove
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