Where Did Our Name Come From?
According to the Internet Surname Database, the surname Gilliam is an English form of a name of Norman (French) origin. "Guillaume" is the French male personal name better known as "William", which is itself derived from the Germanic name "Wilhelm", composed of the elements "wil", will, desire, and "helm", helmet, protection. In the central French form, the “W” is replaced by a “G”. The name was introduced into England after the ruling Saxons fell to the Norman Conquest in 1066 led by William the Conqueror. By the customs of those times, the property of the Saxons would have been confiscated and distributed among William’s followers. As you might expect, William quickly became the most popular given name in the country. A large number and variety of surnames were generated from "William". The forms "Gilliam", "Gilham", "Gillham", "Gillam", “Gillem”, and "Gillum" all d...