Gilliam, of Germanic origin, is an uncommon yet intriguing masculine given name. It is derived from the Old German elements 'gil' meaning 'jewel', and '-helm' signifying 'helmet'. This name was borne by early medieval European warriors, with 'Jilliam' being a variant spelling in the Middle Ages. Gilliam reached its peak popularity during the late 20th century but has since declined somewhat. Despite its rarity today, this name retains an air of historical distinction and uniqueness.
"Interestingly, the name Gilliam was chosen for just five girls each in 1982 and again in 1984, resulting in a total of ten individuals sharing this distinctive name."