This uncommon surname is of
Old French origin, and was originally introduced into ngland at the time of the Norman Invasion in 1066. It is one of the varied group of
derivative names generated by the male personal name "Guillaume", the Old French form of the ancient Germanic given name 'Wilhelm' composed of the elements "wil", meaning desire, and "helm", - protection. There are many double diminutives of "Guillaume", of which this surname above is a fine example. The earliest recordings of the derivative surnames as recorded in England, include such forms as Gwillotus Clerk in the London rolls of 1377 and Robertus Gillot in the 1379 Poll Tax rolls of Yorkshire. Both French and English forms of the surname include Gillette, Gillett, Gillott, Guillet(on), Guillard, Guillart, Guilliatt (a 19th century Lincolnshire spelling), Guillot, Guillotin, Guillon (eau),
Guillou(x), Guillond, and many others.
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