Surname Gillett - Meaning and Origin

Gillett: What does the surname Gillett mean?

The last name Gillett is of French and English origin and is derived from the personal name Giles or a diminutive of Gilbert. It means "young Giles" or "son of Gilbert". Giles in itself is derived from the Greek "Aegidius" and translates to “shield of goatskin”, symbolizing a protector or shield-bearer. The name was popular in the Middle Ages, mainly due to a 7th-century Provencal hermit saint named Giles who was immensely popular in the Middle Ages. On the other hand, the name Gilbert is of Germanic origin and means "bright pledge". Over time, the name has transformed into various forms such as Gilles, Gilet, Gilett, Gillett, Gillette, and others in different regions. It is widely dispersed in England and also found in North America among descendants of British immigrants.

Gillett: Where does the name Gillett come from?

The surname Gillett is of French origin, deriving from the personal name Giles, which itself comes from the Greek name Aigidios meaning "young goat". The name was brought over to Britain during the Norman Conquest in the 11th century. The 'ett' ending commonly signifies 'son of' or 'little', thus Gillett may mean 'son of Giles' or 'little Giles.'

Historically, this surname has most prominently been found in Devon county in the southwest of England. However, it has since spread more broadly across the United Kingdom and to other English-speaking countries, particularly the United States, Canada, and Australia through migration over the centuries.

Various spelling versions of the name exist including Gillet, Gillette, Gillot, and others. The surname may also have taken on various forms in different countries as a result of local pronunciation and spelling conventions.

People named Gillett are found in relatively small numbers throughout the United States, but with slightly higher concentrations in States such as California, Michigan and Ohio. In the United Kingdom, larger concentrations are found in England, particularly in and around London. It is less common in non-English-speaking countries.

Variations of the surname Gillett

The surname Gillett may have originated from the French personal name "Gilles," derived from the Greek word "aigidion," which translates to "kid," or "young goat". This name reached England in the midst of the Norman conquest in the 11th century. Variations and spellings of the name include Gillet, Gillette, Gillot, Gillott, Gillat, Gallett, Gilliat, Galliott, and Gyllett.

The addition or removal of an extra "t" or "l" is also common in various records, owing to many scribes recording names according to their pronunciation. Hence, you might find a wide range of variations in the spelling across different periods and regions. The Gaelic form of the surname is Mac Gile Iosa.

Surname Gillett can also be found as a patronymic surname in some cultures, created by adding a suffix to the personal name of the father. These variations of Gillett may also have different spellings and pronunciations depending on the region and language.

Remember that the transliteration of surnames into documents in different languages may also affect the spelling.

Famous people with the name Gillett

• King C. Gillette: An American businessman who invented the best-selling version of the safety razor and is the founder of the Gillette Company.
• Sir George Adrian Hayhurst Cadbury: Also known as Sir Adrian Cadbury, he was chairman of Cadbury and Cadbury Schweppes for 24 years, and a grandson of George Cadbury, the Quaker who established the Cadbury manufacturing business in Birmingham.
• Kate Gillett: A New Zealand actress known for her role in the short film "Knick Knack."
• Sam Gillett: English comedian, writer, and actor.
• Guy Gillette: A well-known photographer who documented the disappearing cowboy culture.
• Peter Gillett: An entrepreneur and businessman, known for his work in the field of technology.
• Adam Gillett: An accomplished actor known for his role in the popular TV series "The Killing Fields."
• Walter Gillett: a notable jazz musician.
• Eva Gillett: A poet from Australia known for her heartfelt and thought-provoking works.
• Dick Gillett: A former American football player.
• Andy Gillett: A British speaker known for his expertise in English as a Second Language (ESL) education.

Other surnames

GillelandGillemGillenGillenwaterGillenwatersGillerothGillervrichGillesGillesenGillespeyGillespieGillessenGilleßenGilletGilletteGilley