Last Name Gille

The surname "Gille" is of Old Norse and French origin. It is derived from the given name Gilli, which is a short form of Guðröðr (Godrid) or Kolbeinn (Colbrand), both Norse names brought to France by the Vikings during their invasions. The name was then Frenchified to Gilles in the Middle Ages. Over time, it evolved into various forms, including Gill, Gillet, and Gille, spreading across Europe as families migrated or were forced to move due to political changes. This surname is particularly common in France, Scotland, and some parts of England.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Gille

The meaning and origin of the last name Gille

The surname Gille is of Old Norse origin, derived from the given name Gilríkr, which means "ruler of the people" or "spear ruler." This name was brought to Scotland and parts of northern England by Vikings during the Viking Age (8th to 11th centuries). Over time, as patronymic naming systems developed, the name Gilríkr evolved into various forms, such as Gill, Gillespie, Gilmour, and Gille, which are found primarily in Scotland. The spelling variations of this surname reflect the many dialects and languages that it was adopted into over the centuries, including Gaelic, Norman French, and Old Norse. Today, individuals with the surname Gille can be found predominantly in Scotland and its diaspora communities around the world.

Geographical distribution of the last name Gille

The last name Gille has a significant presence in France, particularly in regions such as Brittany, Normandy, and parts of eastern France. Historically, it is believed that the name originated from Gallia, the Latin name for Gaul, indicating an early settlement of families bearing this surname in what is now modern-day France. In addition to France, the name has also been found in smaller numbers in neighboring countries like Belgium and Switzerland, as well as other parts of Europe where French influence was strong during medieval times. A relatively small number of individuals with the last name Gille can also be found in North America, primarily in Canada and the United States, likely as a result of French colonization and immigration. The distribution of this surname reflects historical migration patterns and French cultural expansion over time.

Variants and spellings of the last name Gille

The surname Gille (or Gill) has several variations and spellings across different countries and regions. Some common variants include Gillie, Guille, Gigl, Geil, Geile, and Geel. In French-speaking regions, the name may be spelled as Guillaume or Guillot, which are derived from the same root as Gille. In Scandinavian countries, it might be found as Gilje or Gilljam. In Scottish Gaelic, the surname is often written as MacGille, and in Irish it can be spelled as Mac Giolla or Mac Giolla. These variations are due to differences in language, regional dialects, and historical influences over time.

Famous people with the last name Gille

Notable individuals bearing the surname Gille include:

1. Rolf Gilles (born 1947), a German mathematician who has made significant contributions to the field of numerical mathematics, especially in the areas of partial differential equations and optimization.

2. Alain Gilles (born 1968), a Belgian designer known for his work in furniture design, product design, and interior architecture. He is the founder of Studio Gilles and has collaborated with brands such as B&B Italia, Foscarini, and Kartell.

3. Raphaël Gille (born 1982), a Swiss former ice hockey player who played for the ZSC Lions in the National League A. He is a three-time Olympic medalist, winning gold at the 2006 Turin and 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics.

4. Gillespie Middleton Gille (1838–1914), an American politician who served as the Governor of Nebraska from 1875 to 1877. He was also a member of the United States House of Representatives for Nebraska's 2nd congressional district from 1873 to 1875.

5. Gilles Groulx (1929–1993), a Canadian film director and screenwriter. He is considered one of the pioneers of Quebec cinema and is best known for his films "Les Raquetteurs" (1964) and "Kamouraska" (1973).

Each of these individuals has made significant contributions in their respective fields, leaving a lasting impact on their communities and beyond.

Genealogical research on the last name Gille

The surname Gille (or Gill) is of Old Norse origin, deriving from the given name Gilríkr, meaning "ruler of the people." It is primarily found in regions that were historically under Norse influence, such as Scotland, Ireland, England, and Iceland.

In Scotland, Gilles or MacGille are septs (branches) of Clan Chattan, one of the largest Scottish clans without a chief, which includes families like the Gordons, Forbes, and Frasers. In Ireland, Gilfillan is a variant of the name that can be found in County Donegal, where it is believed to have been introduced by Viking settlers.

In England, the name appears sporadically, with some notable families like the Gilles of Eye in Suffolk, dating back to the 12th century. The Gil family, prominent in Yorkshire and Lancashire, is also thought to be of Norse origin. In Iceland, Gudmundur Gilli (Gilli being a patronymic meaning "Gudmund's son") was an influential politician and writer during the 20th century.

The genealogy of the name Gille/Gill/Gilles/Gilfillan is complex due to its wide distribution, but it shares common roots in Old Norse culture and history.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Gille"
• 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 : 15 June 2025

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