Gillian is a name of Irish origin, derived from the male Gaelic name "Gilla" which means "servant of Saint John." The suffix "-an" is a common one in Irish names and it denotes relationship or association with someone named Gilla. Therefore, Gillian can be interpreted as "servant of Saint John's devotee."
The name Gillian has been used historically for both boys and girls, but it has become more commonly associated with females in recent years. In the Middle Ages, it was often used as a diminutive form of Gilbert, another name derived from Gilla.
There are several notable individuals throughout history who have carried the name Gillian. One such person is Gillian Armstrong, an Australian film director known for her work on films like "My Brilliant Career" and "Little Women." Another famous Gillian is Gillian Robespierre, a Canadian actress known for her roles in various television shows and movies.
Despite its historical use for both boys and girls, today the name Gillian is typically considered to be feminine. It has gained popularity as a girl's name in recent decades, particularly in English-speaking countries such as Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
Overall, Gillian is an attractive and unique name with strong Irish roots and historical significance. Its meaning adds to its appeal, as it pays homage to Saint John while also conveying a sense of devotion and service.
The statistics provided show the number of births with the name Gillian in the United States from 1922 to 2023. The data illustrates a significant increase in popularity over time, with a consistent rise from the 1940s onwards.
In the early years, between 1922 and 1959, the number of births per year ranged from a low of 5 to a high of 35. However, starting in 1959, there was a notable jump to 70 births that year, marking the beginning of an upward trend.
Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, the number of Gillian births continued to grow steadily, reaching a peak of 281 births in 1988. The late 1980s and early 1990s saw fluctuations, with numbers ranging from 176 to 379 births per year.
The late 1990s and early 2000s marked another significant rise in popularity for the name Gillian, with peaks of 1,022 births in 1999 and 890 births in 1998. This trend continued until around 2005, after which there was a noticeable decline.
From 2006 onwards, the number of Gillian births has been relatively stable but consistently low compared to the peak years. The most recent data shows that there were 51 births in both 2021 and 2023, indicating that while Gillian is still a used name, it is no longer as popular as it was several decades ago.
In total, over the period of 1922 to 2023, there have been 15,957 births with the name Gillian in the United States. This data provides valuable insights into the changing trends and popularity of this particular name over time.