Surname Gillroid - Meaning and Origin

Gillroid: What does the surname Gillroid mean?

The last name Gillroid is a relatively uncommon surname originating in the British Isles, likely from two Gaelic origins, with “Gill” implying a stream or ravine, and “roid” meaning to ride or run, resulting in its translation of “To ride or run through a ravine.”

It is believed that the first recorded instance of the name Gillroid was a reference to someone in the Brittain area of the far North East of England during the 13th century, where it was likely used as a nickname for a swift-footed performer or dancer.

In the years that followed the migration of people with the surname Gillroid to other parts of the British Isles, including Scotland and Ireland. As the name made its way across the countries, it slowly began to morph depending on the local dialect, with variations of Gillyrode, Gilleroid, Gillaroid, and Gillroyd all popping up throughout the ages.

The modern incarnation of the last name has two main variations; Gillroid and Gillyrode, both of which are rarely seen outside of the British Isles.

Today, those who share the surname of this quaint, British breed are likely descendants of a group of North East English families that have managed to cling on to their historic name through generations, a testament to the perseverance of the ancestors that brought it to fruition so very long ago.

Gillroid: Where does the name Gillroid come from?

The last name Gillroid is most commonly found in Ireland today. This is largely due to the influx of Irish immigrants to the United States in the 19th century. Many of these immigrants were members of the Gillroid family who left Ireland in search of a better life. Records show that many Gillroids first settled in large cities in the US, such as Boston and New York.

Today, Gillroids can also be found in many other countries, including Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, and even as far afield as India and South Africa. In the United States, the highest concentrations of the name are found in California, Texas, and New York, with Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey also hosting sizeable numbers of Gillroids.

The origin of the Gillroid surname is believed to be Breton-British in nature. However, there is a distinct possibility that it was taken on later by Irish immigrants in the United States, where it has been in use since the 1860s. It is thought that Gillroids from Ireland quickly adopted the name when they arrived in the United States.

The name is also quite common in Southwest Ireland, where descendants of the original Gillroid family still live. In fact, there is a vast Gillroid network of extended relatives scattered throughout the region.

Variations of the surname Gillroid

Gillroid is a surname of Scottish origin. It is derived from the Gaelic 'mac an Ghaill', which translates to 'son of the stranger' or 'son of an alien'. Variant spellings of Gillroid include MacGillroy, MacGillroi, MacGilroy, MacGilroi and McGilroy.

Surnames with the same origin as Gillroid can be found in France, England, Scotland, Ireland, and the United States. In France, the variant spelling of Gillroid is MacGillroi, and in England, MacGilroy. In Scotland, the variants are MacGillroy and Mc Gilroy. In Ireland, the variants are MacGillroy, MacGilroy, and McGilroy.

Variations of the Gillroid surname may also be found in the United States. Common variations of the surname include MacGillroy, MacGilroy, MacGilroy, and MacGillroi. This surname has also been spread to some other states in the United States, such as California, Texas, New York, Arizona, and Washington D.C.

The surname Gillroid is also found among some other nationalities. In Germany, for example, the variant is spelled MacGillroy, and in Norway, it is spelled MacGilroy. In Denmark, it is MacGilroi, and in Sweden it is spelled MacGillroy. Also in Finland the surname is spelled MacGillroy.

Overall, the surname Gillroid is fairly diverse and can be found among many different countries and cultures. It is believed to have originated from Scotland and derived from the Gaelic phrase 'mac an Ghaill', meaning 'son of an alien' or 'son of a stranger'. Variant spellings can be found in many countries, including France, England, Scotland, Ireland, Germany, Norway, Denmark, Sweden, and Finland.

Famous people with the name Gillroid

• Arjay Gillroid: Canadian comedian, actor, and voiceover artist.
• Bill Gillroid: Canadian record producer and songwriter.
• Landon Gillroid: Canadian country music singer-songwriter and television presenter.
• Charlotte Gillroid: Canadian novelist, poet, and short story writer.
• Matthew Gillroid: Canadian actor best known for his roles in the films "Mission: Impossible III" and "Elysium".
• Tyler Gillroid: Canadian professional ice hockey player who plays in the National Hockey League for the Washington Capitals.
• Andrew Gillroid: Canadian musician, songwriter, and record producer, founder of the band "Von Iva".
• Cassandra Gillroid: Canadian fashion designer, currently based in Los Angeles.
• Ryan Gillroid: Canadian television host, actor, filmmaker, and writer.
• Clarice Gillroid: Canadian actress who starred as Anne Sullivan in the Broadway production of the play "The Miracle Worker".

Other surnames

Gillroff