Notes on the probable origin of the name Gemmill or Gemmell

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in former times called " Kirkmichael de Gemilstoun." He
cites, among other authorities, Chalmers Caledonia, vol.
xi., p. 533, and The Excheqtier Rolls of Scotland, vol. i.,
pp. 1 6, 152, and he conjectures that the progenitor of
this John de Gemilston was probably the first of the name
to settle in Scotland. . In the Exchequer Rolls, vol. i.,
p. 16, the spelling given is " Genilstoun." Mr. George
Neilson, LL.D., of Glasgow, who knows the district, has
pointed out to me that a curious misconception has crept
in, and that the name is neither " Gemilstoun," nor "Genil-
stoun," but " Gevelston,' - now pronounced Gelston. On
looking further into the authorities I find that at four
different places in the Calendar of Documents relating to
Scotland, viz., vol. ii., pages 172 and 198, and sections S24
and 834, the name is invariably given as " John de
Gevelston." In the Registmmi Magni Sigilli, under date
1st July, 145 1, the Crown Charter to the Church states that
it was gifted by " Sir John de Gevellestoun." In the
Ragman Rolls and Agnews Hereditary Sheriffs of
Galloivay, p. 111, the spelling is "John de Geuelston."
The u being an old form of v. For example, on the same
page there occur the names " Steuene," now spelt Steven,
and " Colueille," now Colville. I made numerous local
enquiries, but could find no trace of any early settlement
of Gemmills at Kirkmichael, and there seems no doubt
the name was " Gevelston," not " Gemilstoun."