Surname Jillard - Meaning and Origin
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Jillard: What does the surname Jillard mean?
The last name Jillard is a fairly common French surname. It is thought to be derived from the personal name Gillard, which is derived from the Old French word “gillart” meaning chivalrous or brave. This name was often given to a knight or noble for his bravery in battle. The name can also be spelled Jellard, Gillard and Gylard.
The Jillard surname has been found in France for centuries. During the Middle Ages, nobles often named their children Jillard to honor their knightly heritage. It is more popular in France today than in other countries, and it is most commonly found in Brittany, where it is in the top three hundred surnames.
The Jillard surname is also popular in the United States and Canada today, with thousands of immigrants bringing it to North America. Immigrants from France settled in New Orleans and other parts of the US and Canada in the 1800s, and they likely brought this surname with them.
A few famous people with the Jillard surname are François Ernest Jillard, a French military leader; Jacques Joseph Jillard, a French entomologist; and Boniface Jillard, a Swiss theologian, philosopher, and poet.
Ultimately, the last name Jillard is an incredibly old French surname that has a rich history in France and a strong presence in the US and Canada. To this day, it is still seen as a strong name of courage and bravery.
Order DNA origin analysisJillard: Where does the name Jillard come from?
The surname Jillard has its origins in England, specifically from the Old English personal name "Gilliard", which is itself derived from the words "gylt", meaning "guilt", and "heard", meaning "hard" or "brave". The surname would have initially been used as a nickname for a crafty or cunning individual.
Despite its English origins, Jillard is not a common surname in England today. A few families with this name can be found in areas including Norfolk, London,and the West Midlands. It remains relatively rare globally as well.
Currently, the name is most prevalent in Canada, specifically in Ontario, while also being found in fewer numbers in the United States, the United Kingdom, New Zealand, and Australia. However, even in these locations the Jillard surname is not widespread and is considered quite unique.
Variations of the surname Jillard
The surname Jillard is quite unique and does not have many variant forms. However, it can be found spelled in different ways, depending on geographical location and local pronunciation. These variations may include Gillard, Gilliard, Gellard, and Gellert.
The with suffix '-ard' in the name is thought to have originated from the French personal names 'Gilhard' or 'Gilleheard' which means 'strength' or 'hardness'. Given the French origin of the name, it might also be seen as Jillard or Djillard in French-speaking countries.
The surname Jillard could potentially be a patronymic surname, meaning it could have been derived from the name of a father or male ancestor. In English speaking countries or regions, it may be represented as Jillardson or Gillardson.
In terms of surnames from the same root, Gilbert, Gilbart, and Gilberd might share origins with Jillard, as they all come from the same Old German elements 'gisil', meaning 'hostage', 'noble youth' or 'noble child', and 'berht', meaning 'bright' or 'famous'.
However, it's worth noting that the etymology of surnames can often be complex and may involve influences from different languages and cultures.
Famous people with the name Jillard
- Robert Jillard Silverthorne: Canadian jazz musician, composer, and bandleader.
- Joi Jillard: American contemporary abstract painter.
- Griffen Jillard: American social media figure and model.
- Matt Jillard: Australian sailor and Olympic medalist.
- Gavin Jillard: Australian professional surfer.
- Jillard "Jill" Jacobs: Canadian television actress and singer.
- Lindsey Jillard: British fashion blogger and designer.
- Irene Jillard: Zimbabwean-born model and blogger.
- Ann Jillard: Canadian competitive sailor and Olympian (Naples '84, Havana '92).
- George Edward Jillard, Jr.: American homesteader, pioneer, and mountain man.
- Thomas Jillard: British air force commander who flew in the Battle of Britain during World War II.
- Penny Jillard: British wildlife artist and sculptor.
- Sheena Jillard: British journalist, artist, and commercial photographer.
- Carlotta Jillard: Estonian architect and designer.
- Dolores Jillard: American Adelphi University professor and author.
- Jeff Jillard: Canadian politician and Member of Parliament representing Elmwood-Transcona.
- Shannon Jillard: Canadian philosopher, psychotherapist, and yogi.
- Jessalyn Jillard: American actress and model.
- Gillian Jillard: South African actress and model.
- Tom Jillard: English actor and filmmaker.