Gilly

German

"shining pledge"

Gilly Origin and Meaning

The name Gilly is a boy's name.

Gilly is a masculine name that originated as a diminutive of Gilbert (meaning 'bright pledge' from Germanic origins) or Gillian/Julian (from Greek, meaning 'youthful' or 'downy-bearded'). Historically used more as a nickname, Gilly has occasionally been adopted as a standalone given name. The name carries a playful, friendly quality with its soft sounds and -y ending. In contemporary culture, the name gained some recognition through the character Samwell Tarly's love interest in 'Game of Thrones.' While uncommon as a formal name for boys, Gilly has a gentle, approachable quality that contrasts with more traditionally masculine names, offering a distinctive option with historical roots.