Summary

The surname Gillis is of Scottish and Irish origin. It is an anglicized form of the Gaelic name Mac Gille Iosa, meaning 'son of the servant of Jesus'. The name has a long history, dating back to medieval times.
There are
18834
Gilliss in the USA
Gillis is the
1910th
most common last name in the USA

Historical figures and celebrities called Gillis

DavidGillis

David Gillis is a contemporary visual artist known for his abstract paintings that explore color and texture.

MaggieGillis

Maggie Gillis is a Canadian film director and producer, known for her documentaries that tackle social issues.

JohnGillies

John Gillies was a Scottish historian and literary critic, known for his works on the history of Greece.

CharlieGillis

Charlie Gillis is a Canadian journalist and author, currently working as a senior editor at Maclean's magazine.

MarcusGillis

Marcus Gillis is an Australian actor known for his roles in various television dramas and films.

AnnGillis

Ann Gillis is a retired American actress who appeared in several Hollywood films in the 1930s and 1940s.

RonGillis

Ron Gillis is a Canadian ice hockey player who played professionally in the National Hockey League.

IanGillis

Ian Gillis is a British archaeologist and historian, known for his research on ancient civilizations.

MaryGillis

Mary Gillis is an American actress, best known for her role as Nurse Carla Espinosa on the television series 'Scrubs.'

SteveGillis

Steve Gillis is an American writer and educator, known for his novels that explore themes of family, love, and identity.

Gillis Genealogy

OriginsThe surname 'Gillis' is of Scottish origin. It is a variant of the surname 'MacGill,' which means 'son of Gill,' a personal name derived from the Norse name 'Gildi' meaning 'sacrifice.'
Geographic DistributionThe surname 'Gillis' is most commonly found in Scotland, particularly in the highlands and islands regions. It is also present in countries with Scottish diaspora such as Canada, the United States, and Australia.
VariationsVariations of the surname 'Gillis' include 'MacGill,' 'MacGillis,' and 'MacGiolla Iosa.'
Migration and ImmigrationThe name 'Gillis' has been carried by Scottish immigrants who settled in countries such as Canada and the United States. It is also found among descendants of Scottish immigrants in Australia.