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.
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
VIEW THE ORIGIN OF SURNAME GILLESPIE
Famous People With Gillespie Surame?
Dizzy Gillespie
John Birks "Dizzy" Gillespie (October 21, 1917 – January 6, 1993) was an American jazz trumpeter, bandleader, composer, and singer. Known for his virtuosic trumpet skills and pioneering bebop style, Gillespie influenced generations of musicians, including Miles Davis and Jon Faddis. With his iconic beret and horn-rimmed spectacles, he became a beloved figure in jazz, winning multiple Grammy Awards and shaping the genre with his Afro-Cuban jazz fusion. Gillespie's humor and showmanship endeared him to fans and critics, solidifying his legacy as one of the greatest jazz trumpeters of all time.
Collin Gillespie
Collin Joseph Gillespie (June 25, 1999 - ) is an American professional basketball player currently playing for the Phoenix Suns in the NBA. He made a name for himself while playing college basketball for the Villanova Wildcats, where he earned multiple accolades including Big East Co-Player of the Year. Despite going undrafted, Gillespie signed a two-way contract with the Denver Nuggets before joining the Phoenix Suns in 2024. Known for his scoring ability and tenacity on the court, Gillespie continues to make a mark in the NBA with his skills and determination.
Craig Gillespie
Craig Gillespie (born 1 Sep 1967) is an Australian-American director known for films like "I, Tonya" and "Cruella." Starting as a commercial director, he transitioned to feature films with "Lars and the Real Girl." Gillespie has worked on various projects, from music videos to TV series like "The United States of Tara." With a diverse range of work, he continues to make a mark in the entertainment industry.
Bobby Gillespie
Robert Gillespie (June 22, 1961 - ) is a Scottish musician and lead singer of the alternative rock band Primal Scream. He was also the drummer for The Jesus and Mary Chain in the mid-1980s. Gillespie's drumming style was minimalistic, and he eventually left The Jesus and Mary Chain to focus on Primal Scream. The band's album "Screamadelica" won the Mercury Music Prize in 1992, blending dance, dub, techno, and rock. Known for their hit "Loaded," Primal Scream's sound evolved over the years, experimenting with different influences. Gillespie's impact on the UK indie scene and contributions to the music industry are widely recognized.
Dana Gillespie
Richenda Antoinette de Winterstein Gillespie (born Mar 30, 1949) is an English actress, singer, and songwriter known professionally as Dana Gillespie. She has recorded over 70 albums and appeared in stage productions like Jesus Christ Superstar and films such as The Lost Continent. Gillespie's music career has spanned genres from teen pop to rock to blues. She had a decade-long relationship with David Bowie, with whom she collaborated musically. Gillespie is also known for her spiritual beliefs and annual blues festival in the Caribbean. In 2024, she competed in Una voce per San Marino for Eurovision.
All images displayed on this page are sourced from Wikipedia or Wikimedia Commons.We use these images under their respective Creative Commons or public domain licenses. Wherever applicable, author attributions and license information are provided. If you believe an image is used incorrectly or outside its license terms, please contact us so that we can review and correct the issue.
