Surname Gillot - Meaning and Origin

IGNITEA DNA Analysis: Unearthing the Celtic Roots and Historical Footprints of the Gillot Family Name

In a profound journey of self-discovery, I had my DNA analyzed by iGENEA conducting a deep-dive into the origins and history of my family name, Gillot. Taking me back in time, the analysis extended my understanding of our roots from early French settlers to ancient Celtic tribes, and enlightened me on historical migrations and events that have shaped my genealogy.

R. Gillot

Gillot: What does the surname Gillot mean?

The last name Gillot is an occupational surname of French origin. It is derived from the French word “gillote”, meaning “oak tree”. The name likely refers to the occupation of someone who works with, or sells, oak wood. The name was likely originally given to foresters, coopers, loggers, carpenters, and other wood-related occupations.

The surname is an especially common name in the northwest region of France. It is believed to have spread to France with the Normans in the 10th and 11th centuries, and gradually spread to the remaining regions of France. Today, it is a common surname throughout France and beyond, particularly in countries such as Belgium, the United States, Canada, and Australia.

The Gillot surname appears many times in French history. In 1661, a Jean Gillot, was first mentioned in a Paris record, and some believe this is where the surname originated. Gillots can also be found in the French Revolution of 1789, with a Gillot foreman being involved in the storming of the Bastille in Paris. There are also records of a Louis Gillot, who was part of the 18th century fight against England during their Forced Migration of French Acadians in North America.

Overall, the surname Gillot is an occupational surname with a long history, originally related to wood-working and other occupations related to the oak tree. Its spread is widespread throughout many countries, and still carries the connection to its French origins.

Gillot: Where does the name Gillot come from?

The last name Gillot is most commonly found in France today. It is derived from the Latin name "Gillo", a pet form of Gille, which in Middle-English translates to a servant. This is believed to be a reference to the original Gillots, who were servants to the French aristocracy many centuries ago.

The name has since spread throughout the world, particularly in Europe, South America and parts of the United States. In France, Gillots are most commonly found in the cities and towns of the Northern and Eastern parts of the country. This includes Lille, Calais, Rouen and several villages in the French Alps.

Other countries which have seen an increase in the use of the name include Belgium, Switzerland, Belgium and The Netherlands. Smaller numbers of families bearing the name can also be found in Luxembourg, Canada, the US, Mexico, Panama, Chile, the Middle East, South Africa, and the Caribbean.

Given its French origins, the pronunciation of Gillot in each of these countries can vary, although most commonly it seems to be pronounced with a French drawl.

Variations of the surname Gillot

The surname Gillot is a French name derived from the Latin personal name Gilo and from the name for a long narrow musical instrument with three strings, the gille. The Gillespie and Gillet surnames may have come from a variant spelling of Gillot.

Gilot is the most common variant spelling of the Gillot surname. Its French variants include Guillet, Guilliot and Guilhot. Other forms of this surname vary slightly in different countries, such as Guelot, Gilhot, Gilleot, Gillett and Guellot. The associated Irish surname is Ó Giolla Óda, which translates from Irish as “follower of Gilla Od”.

The Scottish form of this name is Gillat. In Irish, the name is Ó Giolla Óda. The variant spelling Gillette is found mainly in the Isles of Man and Scotland.

Gellatly is a possible variant spelling of the surname, with the "ly" added on to the original spelling. The corresponding Welsh surname is Gillett. There are also variants spelled Gillon and Gillotte.

In Britain, the variant Gillatt, with a single "t", is common. It is sometimes suggested that Gillot can also have originated as a nickname for a joker or someone who liked to laugh a lot.

In Portugal, variants of this name include Jinhot and Gijon, where the nickname Giôn has been derived from the Portuguese spelling of Gillot.

Famous people with the name Gillot

• Jordan Gillot: French figure skater and multiple medalist in National, European, and World Championships.
• Lionel Gillot: French footballer and member of the France national team
• Raphaëlle Gillot: French principal dancer with the Paris Opera Ballet
• Hugues Gillot: French Paralympic swimmer and triple gold medalist
• Pierre Gillot: French businessman and founder and CEO of the global software company Nexeya
• John Gillot: British actor who starred in several television shows such as Midsomer Murders and Dummy
• Edward Gillot: British army officer and recipient of the Victoria Cross
• Francis Gillot: French professional footballer and coach
• Bruno Gillot: French sculptor and painter
• Yannick Gillot: French professional triathlete and Ultra Marathoner

Other surnames

GilloGillonGillott