This interesting surname is of English locational origin from places in Dorset, Norfolk and Kent, so called from the Old English pre 7th Century "Gythlingaham" and translating as "the homestead, (Old English "ham"), of the people of Gythla". Gythla is a personal name of great antiquity, containing the element "gyth", battle, but ultimately going back to "Geatas", the Scandinavian people to whom Beowulf belonged. The first mentioned place appeared as "Gillingaham" in the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle relating to Dorset, dated 1016, whereas the Norfolk placename was initially recorded as Gelingeham in Ancient Charters of that County, dated 1107-1118.
Gillingham in Kent was noted as Gelingeham in the Domesday book of 1086. The surname first appears on record in the latter part of the 13th Century, (see below) and has several modern spelling variants including Gillingham and Gillinghams. Other early recordings include Gild de Gillingham, (Dorset, 1274) and Richard de Gillyngham, (Somerset, 1327). A coat of arms granted to the Gillinghams family depicts a gold central band between three silver swans on a blue shield. A right arm, clothed in black with a silver cuff, and holding up a sword "enfiled with a leopard's face" is on the crest. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of Robert de Gyllingham, which was dated 1273, in the "Hundred Rolls of Norfolk", during the reign of King Edward 1, known as "the Hammer of the Scots", 1272 - 1307. Surnames became necessary when governments introduced personal taxation. In England this was known as Poll Tax. Throughout the centuries, surnames in every country have continued to "develop" often leading to astonishing variants of the original spelling.
The history of the surname gillinghams is, like that of most surnames, a complex and fascinating journey to ancient times with the aim of unraveling the origin of gillinghams. Research into the possible origins of gillinghams leads us to learn more about those who bear this surname. We can try to trace the genealogy of the surname gillinghams, and in addition to the original locations of gillinghams, we can find out where people with the surname gillinghams can currently be found.
It is common for surnames like gillinghams to become known in places far removed from their country or region of origin. Discover which ones. There is a considerable probability that gillinghams has crossed the borders of its place of origin to establish itself, to a greater or lesser extent, in other parts of the world. With all the information we have today, it can be said that the countries where gillinghams is most abundant are the following. The mobility of people carrying the surname gillinghams has led to its presence in different countries, as you can verify.
The historical journey of the surname gillinghams can be traced back to those who were the first bearers of gillinghams. The deeds, the way of life, the places they lived, the family relationships they had, the jobs they held by those who were the first to be named gillinghams are found in every look back in the history of this lineage. The history, heraldry, coats of arms, and possible nobility of the surname gillinghams are scattered in documents across various regions and historical periods, so it is necessary to reconstruct a complex puzzle to approach the facts from a realistic perspective.
You can visit us regularly to get more information about the origin of the surname gillinghams, as we frequently accept significant contributions from other individuals interested in heraldry and the history of surnames. It is common for genealogy and surname enthusiasts to provide us with information of special value, so the data we offer about the origins of gillinghams could be modified. Please note that if you are in a position to provide more data about the surname gillinghams or any other surname and its origin, we would appreciate your collaboration with us by sending us information about the origin of gillinghams.
Unfortunately, it's highly probable that not all gillinghamss who performed notable deeds have been included in historical chronicles and records. We assume that there have been significant contributions to humanity made by individuals with the surname gillinghams, even though not all have been documented to our present day. A surname like gillinghams can connect a person to an illustrious lineage and a distinguished coat of arms. However, it must be kept in mind that it is individual people who, through their lives and actions, bring fame and recognition to their surnames. It is our desire to highlight in this section those individuals with the surname gillinghams who, for various reasons, have left their mark on the course of history.
It goes without saying that consulting bibliographic and documentary sources is essential when accessing information about the origins of the surname gillinghams. The bibliography collects information related to the surname gillinghams, which allows us to learn more about its meaning. We consider it highly advisable to refer to the following sources if you wish to conduct research on the surname gillinghams, as well as many other surnames.
These sources are essential for initiating the understanding of gillinghams, and at the same time, of surnames in general.