Gillis is a unique and distinctive given name of Dutch origin. It is derived from the Dutch surname Gillis, which itself has its roots in the Old Germanic personal name Gilliz or Gillicus. This name is believed to have been brought to the Netherlands by way of France during the Middle Ages.
The meaning behind the name Gillis is not entirely clear, but it is thought to be associated with the Old Germanic word "gil" which means "glory" or "jewel". Therefore, Gillis could be interpreted as meaning "glorious" or "precious".
In history, there are several notable figures who have borne the name Gillis. One of the most famous is Saint Gillis, also known as Gilles, who was a French priest and martyr during the Catholic Church's early years. He was canonized in 1073 by Pope Alexander II, and his feast day is celebrated on September 1st.
Despite its rich history and interesting origins, the name Gillis has not been widely used outside of the Netherlands. However, it remains a unique choice for parents looking for a distinctive name for their child. It also has the benefit of being unisex, as it can be given to both boys and girls. Overall, Gillis is a name with a fascinating past that continues to hold significance today.
The statistics provided show the number of births with the given name "Gillis" in the United States from 1900 to 2001. During this period, there were a total of 712 babies named Gillis.
The peak years for the name Gillis occurred between 1951 and 1956, with 20 births recorded in 1951 and 14 or more births each year until 1956. The name's popularity then started to decline, with fewer than 15 births per year from 1957 onwards.
From the 1970s onwards, there were only small fluctuations in the number of babies named Gillis each year, typically ranging from five to ten births annually. In recent years (2001), there were six births with the name Gillis in the United States.
Overall, these statistics demonstrate that while the name Gillis was once moderately popular in the mid-20th century, its usage has significantly decreased over time and is now quite rare in the United States.