Gillespie

Gillespie is an anglicized form of the Scottish Gaelic name Gilleasbuig (or its variant Gilleasbaig), which means "servant of the bishop". The name is composed of the Gaelic elements gille "servant" and easbuig "bishop" (ultimately from Greek ἐπίσκοπος (episkopos)). Despite this etymology, Gillespie has also been used as an anglicization of Archibald, with which it has no clear linguistic connection. The name is primarily used as a surname in Scotland and Ireland, but sometimes also as a given name.

Etymology

The Gaelic original Gilleasbuig (also spelled Giolla Easpaig in Irish) literally means "devotee or follower of the bishop". The second element derives from Latin episcopus, borrowed from Greek ἐπίσκοπος (episkopos), meaning "overseer" or "bishop". This reflects the influence of Christianity on Gaelic name formation.

Usage and Distribution

Gillespie is most common as a surname among the Scottish diaspora, particularly in Scotland, Ireland, and the United States. As a given name, it is less common but occasionally used in Scottish families to honor clan ancestry. Variant forms include Clasby, Gillespey, and Gillaspy.

Famous Bearers

• John Birks "Dizzy" Gillespie (1917–1993), American jazz trumpeter and bandleader.
• Hugh Gillespie (1906–1986), Scottish footballer.
• William Gillespie (1973–), American composer.

Related Names

Direct variants include Gilleasbaig and Gilleasbuig. The name is sometimes anglicized as Archibald, though that name has a different Germanic origin. See also Gilleasbuig.