Gillespie Name Origin
Gillespie comes from Scotland and Ireland. It started as a last name, not a first name. The name comes from Gaelic, the old language spoken there.
It means "servant of the bishop." The Gaelic words are "Gille Easbaig," where "Gille" means servant or follower, and "Easbaig" means bishop. Over time, it turned into Gillespie.
- Type: Surname
- Gender: Unisex
- Pronunciation: GIL-uhs-pee
Gillespie Meaning
Gillespie is a last name that comes from Scotland and Ireland. It started as a Gaelic name, which means it comes from the old Celtic language spoken there. The name was made by combining words that mean "servant" and "bishop."
This name was often given to people who worked for a bishop or had a special connection to the church. It shows respect and loyalty to religious leaders. Over time, it became a family name passed down through generations.
People with the name Gillespie might feel a link to history and faith because of its church-related roots. It’s a name that carries a sense of duty and honor.
History
Gillespie is a last name with roots in Scotland and Ireland. It started as a nickname or a way to describe someone, often linked to a job or family connection.
The name comes from Gaelic words, showing its Celtic background. Over time, it changed in spelling and pronunciation as families moved or records were written differently.
In Scotland, Gillespie was common in certain areas, especially in the Highlands. It also spread to Ireland, where it became part of local family names.
By the 19th and 20th centuries, many people with the Gillespie name moved to America and other countries. This helped the name become known in new places.
Though not extremely common, Gillespie has stayed a recognizable surname with a strong connection to Scottish and Irish heritage.
Famous People
Gillespie is a last name that some famous people have. One well-known person is Dizzy Gillespie. He was a great jazz trumpet player and helped make bebop music popular.
Another is Thomas Gillespie, a scientist who studied how diseases spread. He helped people understand how to stop infections.
There’s also John Gillespie Magee Jr., a pilot and poet. He wrote a famous poem called "High Flight" while flying in World War II.
Name Trends
There are no available data trends for this name.