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Gillespie Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning

Where did the surname Gillespie come from? What does the surname Gillespie mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Gillespie and family migration on YourRoots Map.


Similar surnames:

Bishop, Clasby, Espie, Espy, Gallaspy, Gillaspie, Gillaspy, Gillispie, Glasby, Glaspey, Glaspie, Glaspy, Glispie

Surname Gillespie Origin: What does the last name Gillespie mean?

The surname Gillespie, with variants such as Gillaspie and Gillispie, has its origins in the Gaelic language, specifically deriving from the term Gille Easbaig, which means "bishop's servant". In Scotland, it is Anglicised from Mac Gille Easbuig, while in Ireland, it comes from Mac Giolla Easpaig, both meaning "bishop's servant's son". The name Gillespie can be traced back to at least the 12th century in Scotland and Ireland, with variations in spelling reflecting regional influences.

According to YourRoots data, the surname Gillespie was first recorded in Scotland in the early 15th century. Over time, it spread to other countries, with a notable presence in the United States by the 17th century. Today, the Gillespie surname is most commonly found in the United States, but it is also present in countries like the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and Ireland, highlighting its global reach and enduring legacy.

Gillespie Last Name History: Where did the last name Gillespie come from?

Origin of Gillespie Surname: Where does the last name Gillespie originate from?

According to the YourRoots database, the surname Gillespie was first recorded in Scotland around the early 15th century. It's important to remember that this is based on the exact spelling "Gillespie" as it appears in the YourRoots data, and doesn't account for other potential sources or variations of the surname.

History of the Last Name Gillespie: What does the Gillespie surname history look like in the early days?

From its earliest records in the 15th century, the surname Gillespie appears primarily associated with Scotland. Over the subsequent centuries, the volume of records increases, and the surname begins to appear in other countries. By the 17th century, the Gillespie surname becomes more frequent in records from the United States, indicating a significant presence there.

Global Spread: Where can we find the Gillespie surname today?

The frequency of Gillespie surname records in the United States surpassed those in Scotland by the 18th century, a trend that continued into the 19th and 20th centuries. Today, the Gillespie surname is most frequently found in the United States based on the YourRoots data. However, it's also present across the globe, including countries such as the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, and South Africa, among others.


Explore Gillespie last name heritage and Gillespie surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Gillespie surname origin, history, meaning based on YourRoots Map dataVIEW THE ORIGIN OF SURNAME GILLESPIE

Famous People With Gillespie Surame?

  • YourRoots Map_Surname_Famous People_Ann Gillespie

    Ann Gillespie

    Ann Elizabeth Gillespie is a retired American actress turned Episcopal priest. Best known for her role as Jackie Taylor in the hit series Beverly Hills, 90210, she also appeared in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine and Gilmore Girls. Gillespie currently serves as the Senior Associate Rector at Church of the Holy Comforter in Vienna, Virginia.

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