The GILLARD surname, according to the Dictionary of American Family Names and other sources, has the following origins:

• The English name comes from the personal name Giles.
• The English and French name comes from the personal name Gislehard, an Old High German name meaning noble youth or pledge and hardy.
• The French name may also mean son of Guilard, the French version of the Norse name Willard.
• The name can also come from personal characteristics, i.e. the first bearer of the name was the gailard, meaning joyous or bold.

To ensure more in-depth results, it is recommended that you select a test that includes Y-DNA37 (basic), Y-DNA111 (advanced), or Big Y-700.

If anyone has tested for lower markers, e.g. Y-DNA12, they can upgrade to the Y-DNA111 test.

Please click on the Website link above to view more Project information and some useful links.

Also, please feel free to email me with any questions you may have!

Regards, Tom Raskin