Gillean
Girl name · 3 babies recorded · 1974–2025
Gillean: 3 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to girls, peaking at 3 births in 1981.
A name rooted deep in the Gaelic tradition, Gillean comes from the Old Irish *gille*, meaning “servant” or “lad.” It is most famously borne by Gillean of the Battle-axe, the 13th-century progenitor of Clan MacLean, whose fierce reputation still echoes in Highland lore. While no major modern place bears the name directly, the island of Gigha shares the same etymological root (*Gudey*, “God’s island”). Interestingly, the spelling Gillean is often confused with the feminine Gillian, but it remains a distinctly masculine Scottish given name, and its medieval clan association gives it a rugged, historic feel for parents seeking a name with authentic Highland heritage.
Girl 1 of 52 years
- Peak year
- 19813 babies
- Latest (1981)
- #5373 babies
- Total births
- 3since 1981
- 5-year trend
- ≈ stablevs prior 5y