Gillum Surname

The Origins of the Surname Gillum

The surname Gillum is of English origin and is derived from the Old French personal name Guillaume, which is the French form of William. The name William itself comes from the Germanic elements 'wil', meaning "will," and 'helm', meaning "helmet" or "protection." This name was brought to England by the Normans after the Conquest of 1066 and quickly became popular among the English-speaking population.

Early Distribution of the Gillum Surname

The earliest records of the Gillum surname date back to the medieval period in England. It is believed that the surname first appeared in the county of Yorkshire, where a family of Gillums held a prominent position in the local community. Over time, the surname spread to other parts of England, such as Lancashire, Essex, and Kent.

In the 17th and 18th centuries, many individuals bearing the Gillum surname emigrated from England to other English-speaking countries, such as the United States, Australia, and New Zealand. This widespread migration led to the establishment of Gillum families in these regions, contributing to the global distribution of the surname.

Notable Individuals with the Gillum Surname

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the Gillum surname and made significant contributions to their respective fields. One such individual is John Gillum, a renowned English composer and musician who rose to fame in the 19th century for his innovative compositions and mastery of the violin.

In the United States, the Gillum surname is associated with several prominent figures in the political and entertainment spheres. One of the most well-known is Jack Gillum, a former senator from Illinois who played a key role in shaping US foreign policy during the Cold War era. Additionally, Mary Gillum, a talented actress and singer, gained fame for her performances on Broadway and in Hollywood films.

Modern Distribution of the Gillum Surname

Today, the Gillum surname is most commonly found in the United States, where it ranks as the 6435th most common surname in the country. This high incidence of the surname can be attributed to the large number of English immigrants who settled in the US and passed down the Gillum name to future generations.

In New Zealand, the Gillum surname is much less common, with only 125 individuals bearing the name. This lower incidence can be explained by the smaller population size of New Zealand compared to the United States, as well as the limited number of English immigrants who migrated to the region in the past.

In addition to the US and New Zealand, the Gillum surname can also be found in other English-speaking countries, such as England, Australia, and Wales. While the surname is less prevalent in these regions compared to the US, it still holds significance among local populations and has a rich historical heritage.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Gillum surname has a long and storied history that spans centuries and continents. From its origins in medieval England to its modern-day distribution in countries around the world, the surname has maintained its distinctive identity and continues to be passed down through generations of families. By exploring the origins, distribution, and notable individuals associated with the Gillum surname, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the rich tapestry of history and heritage that it represents.

The surname Gillum in the globe

Globalization has meant that surnames distribute far beyond their country of origin, so that it can be done to find African surnames in Europe or Indian surnames in Oceania. Equivalent occurs in the case of Gillum, which as you can corroborate, it can be said that it's a surname that can be found in a lot of the countries of this globe. In the same way you can find nations in which certainly the thickness of people because of the surname Gillum is greater than in other countries.

The map associated with Gillum surname

1. United States (6435)
2. New Zealand (125)
3. England (101)
4. Australia (22)
5. Wales (21)
6. Philippines (6)
7. Germany (4)
8. Brazil (3)
9. Nothern Ireland (3)
10. India (3)
11. Czech Republic (1)
12. South Korea (1)
13. Kuwait (1)
14. Panama (1)
15. Sweden (1)