The surname Gillespie is of Scottish and Irish origin. It derives from the Gaelic name Mac Giolla Easbuig, which translates to "son of the servant of God's grace." In Scotland, it is most commonly found in the region of Strathclyde while in Ireland, it is more prevalent in County Antrim and Down. The name was anglicized over time to various forms including Gillespie, Gilspie, and others.
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The surname Gillespie is of Scottish and Irish origin, derived from the given name Gilys or Giles, which is a variant of the biblical name Jules or Julian. In Scotland, it was originally a nickname for someone who played the role of St. Jude in mystery plays, as "Gilys" was a form of that saint's name. In Ireland, it may have originated as an Anglicized form of the Gaelic O Giolla Easpura or Mac Giolla Iosa, which mean 'son of the servant of God' or 'son of the servant of Jesus', respectively. Over time, various spelling variations have arisen for the surname Gillespie, such as Gillespie, Gilaspie, and Guillespie.
The surname Gillespie is predominantly of Scottish origin and is most commonly found in Scotland, particularly in areas such as Strathclyde, Fife, and the Scottish Borders. The name is a variation of the Gaelic MacGilleSpaiseach, which means "son of the servant of St. James." Over time, various spelling variations have emerged, including Gilliespie, Gillespey, and others. The Gillespies were traditionally associated with the Clan Douglas and the Stewart kings. Beyond Scotland, significant populations of people bearing this name can also be found in Ireland, England, North America, Australia, and New Zealand, due to historical migrations, particularly during the 18th and 19th centuries. In the United States, the highest concentrations are found in states such as Texas, Kentucky, Ohio, Indiana, and Pennsylvania.
The surname Gillespie has various spellings and variations, some of which include:
1. Gillespie
2. Gilespie
3. Gyllespie
4. Guil espie
5. MacGillispie
6. MacGillespie
7. MacGillepsie
8. McGillispy
9. McGlashpie
10. MacGlashpie
11. MacGliespie
12. MacGuilspie
13. MacIlspie
14. MacIlveen (a Scottish variant)
15. MacGhillespey (an Irish variant).
These variations may stem from regional dialects, transcription errors over time, or different spellings among various branches of the same family. However, it's important to note that while these variants may appear quite distinct, they all share a common origin and etymology as a Scottish name derived from the given name Gilles (Gaelic: Giolla Easpuig) meaning "servant of St. John the Evangelist."
Notable individuals with the surname Gillespie include:
1. Dizzy Gillespie (John Birks Gillespie, 1917-1993): An influential American jazz trumpeter, bandleader, and singer known for his unique bebop style and scat singing. He was also a composer who popularized tunes like "A Night in Tunisia" and "Manteca."
2. Leon Thomas (Leon Gillespie, 1937-2016): An American vocalist best recognized for his innovative use of vocalese in jazz music. He is famous for singing on Herbie Hancock's Grammy Award-winning album "Maiden Voyage" and for his contributions to the groundbreaking 1966 recording "Espiritual."
3. Kofi Gilespie (b. 1989): A professional American football player who currently plays as a defensive end for the Detroit Lions in the National Football League (NFL). He was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in the third round of the 2013 NFL Draft.
4. Mary Gillespie (b. 1878 – d. 1952): An American marine biologist and artist, she was a pioneer in the field of comparative embryology, particularly known for her work on the development of fish. She published several influential books on marine life and her artwork has been featured in various scientific publications.
The Gillespie surname is of Scottish origin and is believed to have derived from the Middle French term "Gisel" meaning hostage or guest, and the Gaelic term "seasp" meaning people or race. Early records show that the name was first found in Angus (formerly Forfar) where they held lands and estates in the 13th century. The Clan Gillespie, also known as the Gilleasbuig, were a powerful Highland clan, with their seat at Kildonan Castle on Loch Maree in Ross-shire. Notable figures with the surname include James Gillespie Graham, a prominent Scottish architect, and Alexander Gillespie, a Canadian politician who served as the 15th Premier of Prince Edward Island. The name is also common among Irish families due to Anglo-Norman settlers bringing the name to Ireland in the Middle Ages.
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