Notes on the probable origin of the name Gemmill or Gemmell

glotzs on the Probable (Drtgin
OF THE
§,mnz of demmtU or dcntnull.
' ' The days of old to mind 1 call. ' '
>^<~
/7"HE general opinion of those versed in genealogical
lore is that the Gemmills were originally of Anglo-
Saxon or Danish origin, and that the bearers of the name,
so far as Great Britain is concerned, probably settled in
this country between the sixth and the eighth century,
during which period, first the Anglo-Saxons and afterwards
the Danes, made frequent descents on Britain, and
occupied large tracts of land, particularly along the East
Coast. The name Gemmill is believed to come from the
Anglo Saxon word Game/, or Gamo/, Danish Gamme/,
Norse Gama/, all meaning old or ancient.
Be that as it may, we know for certain that a number of
persons bearing the name Gamal or Gamel were owners
of property in Britain before the Norman Conquest. In
Florence of Worcester, vol. i., p. 223, mention is made of
Gama/, son of Orm, being slain on 28th December, 1065.