Gillian is a name of Scottish origin, derived from the Gaelic word "Gille Eoghann," which means "servant of John." It is a variant spelling of the name Gillie, which is also of Scottish origin and has the same meaning. The name Gillian is typically given to girls, although it can be used for boys as well.
The popularity of the name Gillian has varied over time. In the United States, for example, it was relatively popular in the mid-20th century but has since declined in usage. However, it remains a classic and timeless name with a strong Scottish heritage.
Historically, the name Gillian has been associated with several notable figures throughout history. One such figure is Saint Gillian of Aberdeen, who was a Catholic bishop in the 13th century. He is revered as a saint in the Roman Catholic Church and is the patron saint of Scotland.
Overall, the name Gillian is a unique and historic name with Scottish roots. Its meaning, "servant of John," reflects its connection to the popular biblical figure Saint John the Baptist. Despite its historic origins, however, the name Gillian remains contemporary and relevant today as a unisex given name.
The name Gillan is a unique and uncommon choice for a baby's first name, as evidenced by the statistics from the United States. In the year 2000, there were only five recorded births of babies named Gillan in the entire country. This low number indicates that the name is not widely popular among parents choosing names for their newborns. Despite its rarity, Gillan has a total of five known instances of birth in the United States, which could make it a distinctive and memorable choice for those who do decide to use it.