Greenlees

Greenlees is a Scottish surname. It is a patronymic name, derived from the Gaelic personal name "Gille Eòin," which means "servant of John" or "follower of John." The name "John" is itself derived from the Hebrew name "Yochanan," meaning "God is gracious."

The surname Greenlees is found primarily in Scotland, particularly in the west and central regions. Like many Scottish surnames, it has variations in spelling, including Greenlees, Greenless, and Greenlease. These variations often arose due to regional dialects and inconsistencies in record-keeping over time.

The surname is associated with several families throughout Scottish history, though not necessarily tied to any single clan. Records of individuals with the name Greenlees appear in historical documents such as parish registers, land records, and census returns.

The etymology indicates an ancestral connection to someone named John, suggesting a familial or religious affiliation in the distant past. The prefix "Gille" denotes service or devotion, a common element in many Scottish Gaelic names.