Origin & Meaning of the Gilliland Surname
What does the last name Gilliland mean?
The surname Gilliland carries the meaning "From a specific area of land." It is derived from the Old English language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 13,351 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Gilliland ranks as the #2,698 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Gilliland come from?
The Gilliland surname has its roots in English heritage. Names of English origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the Gilliland name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Gilliland trace back to Old English. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.
Quick Facts
| Surname | Gilliland |
|---|---|
| Meaning | From a specific area of land |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #2,698 |
| US Count (2010) | 13,351 |
| Per 100K People | 4.53 |
| First Letter | G |
Ethnic Distribution of Gilliland
According to the US Census, the Gilliland surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 13,351 Americans with the Gilliland last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 93.7% |
| Black | 1.24% |
| Hispanic | 2.13% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.58% |
| Native American | 0.51% |
| Two or More Races | 1.84% |
Popularity of Gilliland Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Gilliland surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Gilliland surname increased by 181 between 2000 and 2010.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Gilliland
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