This is the Gilliam Family Tree.  Included in its branches are many names 
including Adams, Bates, Hukill, Skinner, and Duncan to name only a few.  Most 
of my information is either first hand information from living relatives or 
from www.ancestry.com.  Most pictures I have gotten from living relatives as 
well, with only a few from www.ancestry.com and www.findagrave.com.

If you have any information regarding this family tree, please feel free to 
contact me with anything..pictures, stories, family names/dates to add.  
Anything!!!

It is believed that surnames (or family names) came into existence about as 
early as 2000 years ago with the Romans. However, some parts of the world 
didn't start using surnames until the early 1900s.  The surname was usually 
derived from either the name of the person's father,  location where they came 
from, occupation or a predominate physical feature. Surnames came into use for 
legal reasons to be able to distinguish among people with the same given name. 
It also showed an association with a specific family. It can be very useful to 
know the origin of a family name as it can help locate family records and 
allow a better understanding of family customs.

With the surnames I have found so far in The Gilliam Family Tree, here are 
their meanings:

The meaning of the surname GILLIAM is - the descendant of Guilliam 
(resolution, helmet); the name of William as influenced by the French 
Guillaume.

The meaning of the surname BATES is - the son of Bate, a pet form of 
Bartholomey (son of Talmai, furrow); one of stout or heavy appearance.

The meaning of the surname DUNCAN is - descendant of Donnchad (brown warrior).

The meaning of the surname SKINNER is - one who prepared skins for fur 
garments or for tanning.

The meaning of the surname HUKILL is - the descendant of Hucca, a form of 
Uhtraed.

The meaning of the surname WRIGHT is - one who worked with wood or other hard 
material; a carpenter; a builder of windmills or water mills.

The meaning of the surname KILLINGSWORTH is - one who came from, or lived near 
Kellingsworth.

The meaning of the surname ECKMAN is - dweller at, or near a farm located on a 
steep slope.

The meaning of the surname BLANKS is - the son of Blanch.

The meaning of the surname ADAMS is - the son of Adam (red earth).