The name Gillen is of Irish origin and it means "smart, clever." It is derived from the Irish word "gille," which means "servant" or "devotee." The name has a long history in Ireland and has been used for centuries.
In medieval Ireland, the name was often given to young boys who were destined to become servants of the church. These boys were known as "gilles" and they were responsible for performing various tasks around the monastery, such as lighting candles, ringing bells, and caring for the animals.
Over time, the name Gillen became more commonly used as a given name rather than just a title. It was often used in families with Irish ancestry, particularly in areas where the Irish language was still widely spoken.
Today, the name Gillen is still predominantly found in Ireland, but it has also gained popularity in other parts of the world, such as England, Scotland, and Australia. Despite its Irish origins, the name is not particularly common and remains somewhat distinctive.
In terms of its spelling, the name Gillen can vary slightly depending on the region. In Ireland, it is most commonly spelled with two "l"s, while in other parts of the world, it may be spelled with one "l," as in "Gillen" or "Gillan." Regardless of its spelling, however, the name Gillen carries a strong Irish heritage and a meaning that speaks to intelligence and cleverness.
Statistics on the Given Name Gillen in the United States:
The name Gillen experienced a brief moment of popularity in the United States, with five babies being named Gillen in the year 1990 alone. However, it's important to note that this is an unusually high number for this particular name, as there have been no recorded births with the name Gillen since then. It appears that Gillen may be a rare or unique given name in the United States. Despite its rarity, it's possible that this name holds special significance for those who choose to bear it.