Surname Gelly - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'G'
Gelly: What does the surname Gelly mean?
The last name Gelly is of French origin. It is derived from the Old French word "gelé", meaning "jelly" or "congealed". This name was most likely originally given as a nickname to someone who was known for their sweet disposition or for being soft-spoken. Over time, the name has evolved, with "Gelly" evolving from "Gelé".
Today, the Gelly surname is common in France and is also found in other countries, including Belgium, Switzerland, Luxembourg, and the United States. It is believed that there are around three thousand people with the Gelly surname worldwide.
Those with the Gelly surname tend to share characteristics such as calmness, peaceability, kindness, generosity, and thoughtfulness. People with this last name tend to be friendly, reliable, and eager to help others. They enjoy contributing to their community and believe in the importance of good relationships.
The Gelly surname has a rich history and a positive connotation. Those with this last name make up a caring and generous community that seeks to help others and make the world a better place.
Order DNA origin analysisGelly: Where does the name Gelly come from?
The last name Gelly is currently seen most commonly in several countries throughout Europe. The largest concentrations of individuals with the Gelly name are in France, Germany, and the United Kingdom.
In France, there is an especially high concentration of individuals with the name Gelly. The highest density can be found in the departments of Ille-et-Vilaine and Essonne. This name is often spelled Gellé in France.
In Germany, the highest concentration of Gelly families is in the state of Bavaria. In the United Kingdom, the Gelly name is concentrated in the West Midlands and is mainly found in areas such as Wolverhampton, Walsall, and Birmingham.
In addition, there are smaller populations of the Gelly name in Spain, Italy, Switzerland, and Austria. In the United States, individuals with the Gelly name are much more sparse. However, the name is found in communities in California, Florida, Texas, and the District of Columbia, as well as a few other states. So, the last name Gelly is still most commonly found in several countries throughout Europe and has smaller yet established populations in the United States and elsewhere.
Variations of the surname Gelly
Gelly is a surname of French origin, likely derived from the old French word ‘gel’ meaning ‘jelly’. It first appears in the French records in the mid-17th century and has spread throughout the world. It is most common in France and North America and is also found in the UK and Australia.
The most common variant spellings of Gelly are Gellie, Ghali, Ghally, Gheley, Ghiely, Ghili, Gilie, Gilly, and Gillie. Some less common variant spellings are Jelley, Gellee, Gellie, Gellly, Gili, Gille, and Gille.
Surnames of the same origin as Gelly include Gelle, Gell, Gelle, Gellette, Gill, Gilles, Jelley, Gellet, and Gillespie.
Gelly is generally seen as an occupational surname, deriving from the term 'gelasius', which means 'maker of jellies'. It's possible that families bearing this name were involved in the making or selling of jellies or jams, or that they supplied the ingredients for making them.
Gelly is also sometimes used as a given name for boys and girls, with variants such as Gelli, Gellee, Gelli, and Gely.
Famous people with the name Gelly
- Lionel Gelly: French sculptor and painter
- Keith Gelly: British novelist, journalist, and football commentator
- Janine Gelly: French television presenter
- Sam Gelly: British professional kickboxer
- Diana Gelly: English actress and dancer
- Jean Gelly: French impressionist painter
- Henri Gelly: French explorer and naturalist
- Claude Gelly: French actor and director
- Edouard Gelly: French astronomer and professor
- Gene Gelly: American golfer