Surname Dill - Meaning and Origin
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Journey to My Roots: The Personal Significance of My iGENEA DNA Test in Unveiling the Dill Surname's History
Unravelling the significance of my surname through iGENEA DNA testing revealed a rich ancestry tapestry. As I traced the lineage of the Dill family, it was an adventurous journey across continents, unveiling the realities of my family's past. This journey revealed the profound significance of my surname, providing a fresh perspective about my own identity and connecting me to the long-gone ancestors in a unique, almost tangible way.
C. Dill
read moreDill: What does the surname Dill mean?
The last name Dill is of German and English origin. In some cases, it may be a habitational name from a place named with an Old English word for 'dill', a type of herb, perhaps denoting a place where this was grown. In other cases, it may be derived from the old German personal name "Dillo". Over the centuries, many variations of the name Dill have been recorded, including Dhill, Dylle, Dille, Dyl, and others. Like many surnames, the interpretation can vary depending on the cultural and geographical origins of the person bearing the name. Interestingly, among some communities, this name also connotes the person having qualities similar to a 'dill', like being fresh, aromatic, and beneficial. It's key to consider that surnames often originate from common professions, nicknames, and locations, which might further hint at the historical significance attached to the Dill name.
Order DNA origin analysisDill: Where does the name Dill come from?
The surname Dill is of Anglo-Saxon origin, deriving from an Old English personal name, Dydel, which in turn was derived from the word "dydel" meaning "slothful" or "lazy." It could also relate to the plant dill, indicating a herbalist or someone who produced or sold herbs in medieval times.
After the 7th century, variations of the name appeared due to the influence of the Danish, such as Dillo, Dyll, and Dyell. The surname also has a strong association with Ireland, particularly County Antrim, Northern Ireland because of 17th-century migration of English and Scottish settlers known as the Plantation of Ulraham.
In the later years, notably the 18th and 19th centuries, descendants carrying the Dill name migrated to the New World, which helped in its geographical spread.
In modern times, the name is found more frequently in the United States, followed by England, Germany and Canada according to surname distribution data from Forebears. It is less common in Australia and Ireland. The U.S. state with the highest number of Dills is California. As per the data, approximately 20,000 people bear this surname worldwide.
Variations of the surname Dill
The surname Dill has multiple variants, and can also be derived from different origins. Variants and spellings of the name can include Dillon, Dyllon, Dyell, Dyle, and Dille. In some contexts, the surname Dilly may also be considered a variant.
Different geographical regions have also produced their own versions of the name. For example, in Germany, variations such as Diehl, Dihl, and Dillen are found. In France, Dele and Dille are examples of Dill variants.
The surname has multiple possible origins. One of the possible origins of the surname Dill is from the Middle High German "dill" or "till", which means "dill", an aromatic herb. Another possible origin is from the personal name Dille, derived from the Old English personal name "Dylla or Dyll".
Another possibility is the Irish surname Ó Duilleáin (anglicized as Dillane or Dillon), transferred to Dill in some contexts. Furthermore, the surname might originate from Scotland, where it was used as a reduced form of the surname MacDill.
The different spellings and variations of the surname Dill represent a rich tapestry of cultural and linguistic influences over centuries. As a result, people bearing these names can be found worldwide.
Famous people with the name Dill
- Angela Dill: Actress known for "Before We Go" (2014), "She Wolves of Wall Street" (2021), and "Alarm für Cobra 11: Die Autobahnpolizei" (1996).
- Peter Dill: Former professional American basketball player who gained fame for his unconventional bench celebrations.
- Robert Dill-Bundi: Retired road and track cyclist from Switzerland, who won gold in Men's Individual Pursuit at the 1980 Summer Olympics.
- Timothy Dill: Cricket Player from Bermuda who has played in the ICC World Cup.
- Ed Dill: An actor known for different roles in movies and series including "A Time to Remember" (1988), "Overland Riders" (1946), etc.
- Clyde Dill: Medieval historian whose works on the Church history in the Middle Ages are well-regarded.
- Pauline Dill: A talented ceramic artist whose works have been exhibited across the United States.
- Florence Dill: A noteworthy Canadian artist known for her Impressionist style paintings.
- Travis Dill: A renowned racing driver active in the mid-20th century.
- Dr. Rhea Dill: A prominent scholar of Native American studies and cultural preservation advocate. Please note that fame is a subjective term and some of these figures may be more regionally or industry-specific in their renown.