Gillian
Gillian is a girl name of Latin, via English origin, meaning “Youthful; of the Julius family”.
| Meaning | Youthful; of the Julius family |
|---|---|
| Gender | Girl |
| Origin | Latin, via English |
| Pronunciation | JIL-ee-un |
| Tradition | Modern & Classic, Christian |
| Used in | United Kingdom, Ireland, Canada |
Meaning and origin of Gillian
Gillian is a medieval English form of Juliana, the feminine of Julian, from the Roman family name Julius. Julius is often explained as 'youthful' or 'downy-bearded', though that origin is uncertain. Gillian was so common in the Middle Ages that its short form Jill became a word for a girl, as in Jack and Jill. The name returned to popularity in Britain in the twentieth century.
Is Gillian a religious name?
Gillian is not biblical, though Juliana was the name of several early Christian martyrs and of the mystic Julian of Norwich.
How popular is Gillian?
Popular in Britain in the mid-twentieth century; less common today.
Gifts with the name Gillian
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. We may earn a small commission from these links, at no extra cost to you.
Spellings and variants of Gillian
Names similar to Gillian
More girl names
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Gillian mean?
Gillian means 'Youthful; of the Julius family'. It is of Latin, via English origin.
Does Gillian have a religious meaning?
Gillian is not biblical, though Juliana was the name of several early Christian martyrs and of the mystic Julian of Norwich.
How do you pronounce Gillian?
Gillian is pronounced JIL-ee-un.
Is Gillian a boy or girl name?
Gillian is usually a girl name.