Find out how popular the first name Gilroy has been for the last 6 years (from 1986 to 1991) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Gilroy by gender

Based on the last 6 years of data, Gilroy is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 1991, there were 6 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Gilroy.

The history of the first name Gilroy

The name Gilroy originated in the Scottish Highlands during the Middle Ages. It is derived from the Gaelic words "gille" meaning "servant" and "rua" meaning "red-haired". Together, the name can be interpreted as "the red-haired servant" or "the servant with reddish-brown hair".

In its earliest forms, the name was spelled Gillroy or Gillroy, with various spelling variations emerging over time, such as Gillroy, Gillroy, and eventually Gilroy. The name was commonly found in the regions of Argyll and Inverness-shire, where it was borne by several prominent Scottish clans.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Gilroy can be found in the Annals of Ulster, a chronicle of medieval Irish history. The entry for the year 1337 mentions a "Gillroy of Argyll" who was involved in a conflict between Scottish and English forces.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have carried the name Gilroy. In the 16th century, Sir John Gilroy (1510-1585) was a Scottish nobleman and landowner who played a significant role in the Scottish Reformation. Another prominent figure was Robert Gilroy (1667-1737), a Scottish minister and philosopher who contributed to the development of Presbyterian theology.

In the 18th century, James Gilroy (1715-1794) was a Scottish painter and caricaturist, known for his satirical works depicting contemporary political and social events. His contemporaries included William Gilroy (1725-1799), a Scottish merchant and philanthropist who made significant contributions to the city of Glasgow.

Moving into the 19th century, John Gilroy (1819-1892) was an Irish-born American businessman and politician who served as a member of the New York State Assembly. He was involved in the construction of several important infrastructure projects in New York City.

While the name Gilroy has its roots in Scotland and Ireland, it has since spread to various parts of the world, carried by immigrants and their descendants. However, its historical significance remains deeply rooted in the cultural heritage of the Scottish Highlands and the vibrant traditions of the region.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Gilroy was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Gilroy, please contact us.

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