Gillian

The Meaning & Origin of the Name Gillian

Gender Girl
Origin Celtic
Letters 7
Syllables 2
Pronunciation GIL-ee-uhn

Gillian, which has 7 letters and 2 syllables, is a female name of Celtic origin.

Meaning of Gillian

Youthful

Gillian is a feminine name of English origin, derived from the Latin name Julianus. It can mean either "youthful" or "downy-bearded", and is often used as a feminine form of Julian.

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Meaning Youthful
Origin Celtic
Gender Girl
Popularity (US) #835 in 2008 Declining
Rarity (US) Rare (Top 1000)
Era 90s name

Background & History of The Name Gillian

Gillian is a name of English origin that has been used for both males and females, although it is more commonly associated with females. It is derived from the medieval given name Julian, which in turn comes from the Roman name Julius. The name Gillian became popular in medieval times, especially in Scotland and Ireland.

The meaning of the name Gillian is often interpreted as "youthful," "youthful downy," or "evergreen." The name carries a sense of freshness and vitality, symbolizing the beauty and resilience of nature. It evokes sentiments of hope and renewal, making it a favorable choice for parents seeking an optimistic and charming name for their child.

Gillian has seen various spellings over the years, including Jillian, Jilian, and Gillien. However, Gillian remains the most widely used spelling. The name has gained international recognition through literature, film, and popular culture. Notably, it appears in Shakespeare's play "All's Well That Ends Well" as the name of a virtuous character.

Those named Gillian are often described as intelligent, imaginative, and compassionate individuals. They possess a strong sense of independence and are known for their creative thinking and problem-solving skills. Gillians tend to be great communicators and have a natural ability to connect with others on an emotional level. They are often drawn to artistic pursuits and may excel in fields such as writing, music, or visual arts.

In conclusion, Gillian is a name with deep historical roots and a lively meaning. Its association with youthfulness and enduring vitality makes it an enduring choice for parents seeking a name that embodies hope and resilience.

Popularity Over Time

US Social Security Administration data showing the rank of Gillian over the years.

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