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Gilwain Family History

Gilwain Surname Meaning

Historically, surnames evolved as a way to sort people into groups - by occupation, place of origin, clan affiliation, patronage, parentage, adoption, and even physical characteristics (like red hair). Many of the modern surnames in the dictionary can be traced back to Britain and Ireland.


Similar surnames: Gilpin, Gillan, Gilvin, Gilman, Mcilwain, Gillin, Germain, Litwin

Search for a relative to learn more about your family history.

Hint: Try searching for a relative alive in 1940.

Where is the Gilwain family from?

You can see how Gilwain families moved over time by selecting different census years. The Gilwain family name was found in Scotland in 1871. In 1871 there was 1 Gilwain family living in Lanarkshire. This was 100% of all the recorded Gilwain's in Scotland. Lanarkshire had the highest population of Gilwain families in 1871.
Use census records and voter lists to see where families with the Gilwain surname lived. Within census records, you can often find information like name of household members, ages, birthplaces, residences, and occupations.

What Gilwain family records will you find?

Census Records

There are 1 census records available for the last name Gilwain. Like a window into their day-to-day life, Gilwain census records can tell you where and how your ancestors worked, their level of education, veteran status, and more.

Search UK census records for Gilwain

Passenger Lists

There are 642 immigration records available for the last name Gilwain. Passenger lists are your ticket to knowing when your ancestors arrived in the UK, and how they made the journey - from the ship name to ports of arrival and departure.

View all Gilwain immigration records

Draft Cards

There are 1,000 military records available for the last name Gilwain. For the veterans among your Gilwain ancestors, military collections provide insights into where and when they served, and even physical descriptions.

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What is the average Gilwain lifespan?

An unusually short lifespan might indicate that your Gilwain ancestors lived in harsh conditions. A short lifespan might also indicate health problems that were once prevalent in your family. The SSDI is a searchable database of more than 70 million names. You can find birthdates, death dates, addresses and more.

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