Last Name Gili

The surname Gili has multiple possible origins, depending on the geographical region. 1. Italian and Spanish: In these regions, it could be derived from various sources such as a place-name (from "giglia," meaning spear or pike), occupational name for a weaver (from "giglio," meaning lily), or a nickname meaning "meadow" or "open field." 2. Jewish: In Jewish communities, the surname Gili is often of Hebrew origin and means "my strength is God." 3. Portuguese: In Portugal, it may be derived from the personal name Gil, which is of Germanic origin and means "stranger" or "foreigner." 4. Catalan: In Catalonia, it might originate as a diminutive form of the name Geltrú (Giseltrudis), meaning "pledge of strength" in Old High German. 5. Greek: It could also be a Hellenized form of the Jewish name Gilead or Gulyades, a shortened form of the Hebrew name Gershom (meaning "stranger there").

Learn more about the origin of the last name Gili

The meaning and origin of the last name Gili

The surname Gili is of Hebrew origin, derived from the biblical name Gilad, which means "young bull." It is one of several Jewish surnames that were given as nicknames to individuals based on their physical characteristics or personal traits. In some cases, it could also be a topographic surname for someone who lived near a hill or high place, as the Hebrew word "gil" can mean "hill." The name Gili is not uncommon among Jewish communities and has variants such as Gill, Gil, and Gila in various parts of the world. It gained popularity outside of Jewish communities through migration and assimilation.

Geographical distribution of the last name Gili

The surname Gili has a significant presence across several countries, particularly those with strong Italian and Spanish influence. In Italy, it is most common in regions such as Emilia-Romagna, Tuscany, and Liguria. In Spain, its frequency is highest in the northwestern region of Galicia, as well as in Catalonia and Valencia. Additionally, the name can also be found in Portugal, where it may have origins linked to Italian migration. The diaspora has also spread Gili to various parts of South America, such as Argentina, Brazil, and Uruguay, due to historical migrations from Italy and Spain. In the United States, the name is common in areas with large Italian-American communities, particularly in regions like New York, Pennsylvania, and Illinois.

Variants and spellings of the last name Gili

The surname Gili has multiple variations and spellings across different regions and languages. Here are some common versions:

1. Gili - This is the most common spelling of the surname, originating from various countries including Italy, Israel, and Spain.
2. Gilli - A variant of Gili found in Germany and Austria.
3. Jili - A variation of Gili that can be found among some Sephardic Jewish families.
4. Gilie - An alternative spelling of Gili, mainly used in some English-speaking countries.
5. Guilli - A possible misspelling or a variant of the surname, primarily seen outside its usual regions of origin.
6. Ghezzi (Italy) and Ghez (Israel) are surnames derived from the patronymic form of Gili, meaning 'son of Gioeli' in Italian and Hebrew respectively.
7. Giuli (Italy), Giol (Israel), Juel (Germany), and Juilli (France) are other variations of the name that may have originated from Gili through different phonetic or cultural evolutions.

Famous people with the last name Gili

The Gili family name has been associated with notable individuals across various fields and regions. In the world of entertainment, David Gili is a Spanish actor known for his roles in television series such as "El Príncipe" and "Crematorio." In the realm of sports, there's Anna Gili, a retired Spanish professional volleyball player who represented Spain in numerous international competitions including the Olympics. On the scientific front, Yair Gili is an Israeli artist, architect, and designer, whose work often integrates elements of nature into urban spaces. Lastly, from the world of literature, Amos Oz, an Israeli writer and intellectual, born as Nahman Amitzur Gili-Oz, is renowned for his novels that delve into the complexities of Israeli society. These are a few examples of individuals with the last name Gili who have made significant contributions to their respective fields.

Genealogical research on the last name Gili

The surname Gili originates from various regions due to its Hebrew and Spanish roots. In Hebrew, "Gili" means "honey," while in Spanish, it is a shortened form of Gabriel or other names ending in "gil."

The name has been traced back to medieval Jewish communities in Spain, where it was initially adopted by descendants of the Biblical figure Gilead. During the Spanish Inquisition, many Jews were forced to convert or flee, leading to a dispersal of people with the last name Gili across Europe and the Middle East.

In Italy, the Gili family is believed to have originated from Pisa, where they were powerful Jewish merchants and moneylenders in the late Middle Ages. Some members later converted to Christianity, adopting the surname as part of their identity.

In Portugal, the name can be traced back to the 14th century and is associated with the Marranos or secret Jews who continued to practice Judaism privately despite converting to Christianity. The Portuguese Gili family was among those who emigrated to Brazil during the colonial period.

Overall, the Gili surname has a rich history that spans multiple regions and religious groups, reflecting its complex origins and long-lasting impact on Jewish and Christian communities worldwide.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Gili"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 28 July 2025

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