Some other Romillys, past and present! (Romilys with one "l" are also welcome! Check here too.) Last updated on 16 April 2008.

Note: I have recently removed most email addresses from this page, in case of privacy problems. However, if you want to get in touch with any of these people, by all means email me and I will forward your message to the latest address I have. (So please keep me informed if you change yours!)

You see, it's not such an uncommon name after all ...

A suggested meaning for the name is that it derives from "Roche Mille Lys" - "rock of a thousand flowers (lilies?)". Others suggest connections with Rome. Any better ideas, please write!

Romilly-sur-Seine

The small town of Romilly-sur-Seine, just south-east of Paris, in the province of Aube, between Paris and Troyes, may (or then again, may not) be the start of it all. This is the largest, but there are at least four other less-well-known towns or villages named Romilly in France.(see "Places" below). (This may well be a connection, but of course it doesn't really explain the name. Were the towns named after people, or people after the towns?)

A first name or a surname?

There are many examples of Romilly as a surname as well as a first name - I think it probably started that way, became "double barrelled" (wife's maiden name?) and then became a first name on its own. See Romilly Meager's family tree for examples of this process. And (as you will see) as a first name, it can equally well be male or female.

It looks as though (apart from Alice de Romilly) the name came to England as a surname with Etienne Romilly. My guess is that this was also the origin of most, if not all, the surname Romillys in other English-speaking countries.

Anyway, here is a list, compiled by searching the Internet, a browse through "Who's Who", and many contributions by e-mail since this page first appeared in 1996 ...

Romilly as a surname

Alice de Romilly (12th Century)

Founder of Bolton Priory, Yorkshire. See also "Art and literature" below.

Etienne Romilly (1677/78 - 1733) »

A Huguenot, fled from Montpellier, France, to England in 1701, on the revocation of the Edict of Nantes (which led to severe persecution of Huguenots in France). Married Judith de Montpellier (or Monsallier?). Apart from 12th Century Alice, it looks like he is the origin of the Romillys in Britain and perhaps throughout the English-speaking parts of the world. (Who says religious persecution never did any good? ;-)

Peter Romilly (died 1784) »

Son of Etienne and Judith, lived in Frith Street, Soho. Married Margaret Garnaut (d. 1796).

Sir Samuel Romilly (1757 - 1818) »

Son of Peter and Margaret. Judge and legal reformer. Attacked the severity of English criminal law. Married Anne Garbett. Children were Sophia, William, John, Edward, Henry, Charles and Frederick.

Thomas Peter Romilly (1753 - 1828) »

Youngest son of Peter and Margaret. Married Jane Anne Romilly (his cousin, daughter of Isaac and Mary Romilly).

Joseph Romilly (1791 - 1864) »

Son of Thomas Peter and Jane Anne.

Catherine Romilly »

Daughter of Thomas Peter and Jane Anne.

William Romilly (1798 - 1855) »

First son (second child) of Sir Samuel and Anne.

Sir John Romilly (1802 - 1874) »

Second son (third child) of Sir Samuel and Anne. Lawyer and statesman. Created 1st Baron Romilly (1865). Master of the Rolls, Durham Cathedral from 1851 to 1873. Married Caroline Charlotte Otter (daughter of William Otter, Bishop of Chichester).

Frederick Romilly (1810 - 1887) »

Married Elizabeth Elliott. Three sons (details follow) and two daughters.

Samuel (or Samual?) Henry Romilly (1849 - 1940) »

First son of Frederick and Elizabeth. Barrister.

Col. Frederick William Romilly (1854 - 1935) »

Second son of Frederick and Elizabeth. Lived in Taplow.

Elizabeth Mary Romilly ( - 1950)

Daughter of Col. Frederick (see above). Married Horace Alfred Damer Seymour in 1880.

Hugh Hastings Romilly (1856 - 1892) »

Third son of Frederick and Elizabeth. Administrator, explorer and author, expert on Papuan popular tales, myths, medicine and sorcery. Books include:

• "From My Verandah in New Guinea" (1889)
• "The Western Pacific and New Guinea" (1886).

William Romilly (1835 - 1891) »

First son of Sir John and Caroline. Became 2nd Baron Romilly. Married Emily, daughter of Lieut. Gen. Sir John Gaspard le Marchant, KCB (d. 1866)

Major John Gaspard Le Marchant Romilly (1866 - 1905) »

3rd Baron Romilly (succeeded 1891). Lived in Barry, South Wales. Married Violet Edith Egerton (1897).

Col. Bertram Henry Samuel Romilly (1878 - 1940) »

Son of Samuel Henry. Awarded DSO, 1902. Married the sister of Sir Winston Churchill's wife Clementine. Two sons, Esmond and Giles (see below).

Eric (earlier called Frederic) Carnegie Romilly (1886 - 1953) »

Son of Samuel Henry. Barrister. Lived in Bodenham, Herefordshire. High Sheriff of Herefordshire, 1941.

Major William Gaspard Guy Romilly (1899 - 1983) »

4th Baron Romilly (succeeded 1905). Married Diana Sackville-West (1929 - 1944), Dora Morris (1944 - 1960) and Elizabeth Cecil (1966). The Barony of Romilly died with him.

Esmond Mark (Marcus?) David Romilly (1918 - 1941)

Son of Bertram Henry Samuel (hence, a nephew of Sir Winston Churchill). Fought in Spanish Civil War, flew in the Royal Canadian Air Force in WW2, killed in action. Married Jessica ("Decca") Mitford.

(Anne) Constancia Romilly (1941 - )

Daughter of Esmond and Decca (see above).

Giles Samuel Betram Romilly (1916 - )

Son of Bertram Henry Samuel (hence, a nephew of Sir Winston Churchill). Prisoner in Colditz. Author, with Michael Alexander, of "Hostages of Colditz" (New York, 1973). Children Elizabeth (Lizzie), Edmund and Crystal (see below).

Lizzie Blanche Romilly (1950 - )

Eldest child of Giles (see above). Lizzie has had a career as an actress; roles included Lois Ardsley in "For Services Rendered" by Somerset Maugham at the National Theatre Lyttelton Stage in 1979, and Breda and Alphonsine in "The Beastly Beatitudes of Balthazar B" by J.P. Donleavy at the Duke of York's Theatre in 1981. She now works as a lawyer in the Government Legal Service, and lives in the East End of London (UK) where she is involved in local campaigns and issues. She also writes.

Edmund Humphrey Samuel Romilly (1951 - )

Son of Giles (see above). Barrister, previously with Trafalgar Chambers, now practising in Temple Gardens, London, and also a novelist - books include "Skinner" and the forthcoming "The Barn" (see Amazon for more on these).

Crystal Sophia Romilly (1956 - )

Daughter of Giles (see above). Senior Registrar in Forensic Psychiatry at Oxleas NHS Trust.

George Romilly ( - 1933) »?

Son of Charles. Editor of Madras Times. Later, lived in Winchester.

Judge Selwyn R. Romilly (1940 - )

Trinidad-born Supreme Court Justice in British Columbia, Canada since 1955. Known for tempering judgements with social conscience.

Professor Jaqueline de Romilly (1913 - )

Member of the Académie Française since 1988, respected expert on the development of democracy and liberty in Ancient Greece. In 1995, given honorary Greek nationality in recognition of services to teaching and research. Married (1940 - 1974?) to Michel Worms de Romilly. Prolific author on the history of philosophy. Among many others:

• "Thucydides and Athenian Imperialism" (Oxford, 1963)
• "Magic and Rhetoric in Ancient Greece" (Cambridge, Mass, 1975)
• "La liberté et les libertés (Geneva, 1990)
• "La vue d'en haut: découverte des sciences de l'homme" (1990)
• "La construction de la verité chez Thucydide" (Paris, 1990)
• "The Great Sophists in Periclean Athens" (Oxford, 1992)
• "Alcibiade et les dangers de l'ambition" (Paris, 1995)

Dr. Douglas P. Romilly

Professor of Mechanical Engineering in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Centre for Integrated Computer Systems Research, University of British Columbia. Working on robotics and rehabilitation.

Nicole Worms de Romilly

Author of the definitive catalogue of paintings by French cubist Georges Braque (1882 - 1963): "Braque, le cubisme, catalogue de l'oeuvre, 1907 - 1914" (Paris, 1982). The picture shown here is "Castle at La Roche-Guyon", 1909 (Romilly 42).

I must admit that cubism isn't my thing, but if you like it, visit Mark Harden's texas.net Museum of Art for more of Braque's works.

Dr. Peter John Romilly

Senior Lecturer in Economics at the University of Abertay, Dundee (Scotland), Chairman of the Tayside Foundation for the Conservation of Resources, and parliamentary candidate for the Scottish Green Party in 1999. Author of many papers on Econometrics, Transport and the Environment. Son of Maurice Romilly. See his own web page for lots more ...

Lorna Romilly

President of Romilly Enterprises, supplying consultant services to health organisations, North Vancouver, BC. Chairperson of British Columbia Racing Commission.

Eric Romilly »

Descended from Sir Samuel. "A real time process control computer geek" (he says), currently working in optical fiber manufacturing.

Rupert Samuel Romilly

Son of Martin (cousin of Esmond and Guy). Living in Brussels. (Thanks for your e-mail, Sam. But there was no return address! - Please write again ...)

Edgar Phillip Romilly (1919 - 2004) »

Ancestor of a group of New England Romillys ...

Paul David and Michelle Romilly »

Paul is the first son of Edgar Phillip Romilly. Paul and Michelle live in Wells, Maine, with sons Todd and David. Paul is a serious student of the family! (See note above ...)

Robert Reed Romilly »

Bob is the second son of Edgar Phillip Romilly. Married to Donna, living in Littleton, Massachusetts. They have two children ...

Kerry Ann Romilly Ackerman (1969 - ) »

Daughter of Robert Reed Romilly and Donna, granddaughter of Edgar Phillip Romilly, niece of Paul D. Romilly (see above, also the family tree). Born 1969, with three daughters. Kerry is a real estate paralegal in Boston, Massachusetts. Kerry would love to correspond with others. E-mail to kaackerman@msn.com

Robert Reed Romilly Jr. (1973 - ) »

Son of Robert Reed Romilly and Donna.

Michael Alec Romilly

Student at the University of Abertay, Dundee. Son of Dr. Peter Romilly.

David Paul Romilly

Born 1984, son of Dr. Peter Romilly. Studying at the University of Stirling.

Keith Romilly

Computer programmer, born 1967(?) in UK but grew up in Trinidad and Tobago. Son of Adrian Romilly, who was first cousin of Judge Selwyn Romilly. Wife Cleopatra and four children Aisha, Crystal, Patricia and Adrian. Keith is also working on the family tree and would welcome any information. E-mail tonyke1@hotmail.com

Charles Romilly

Charles is another, working on the family tree. E-mail to cromilly@aol.com.

Adrian Romilly, B.Sc.

Senior Lecturer in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics at Plymouth University. Provider (I think) of the family tree mentioned above.

George Peabody Romilly

Lives in Washington, DC. George - I'm going to call him George(3) - is also doing some family history research. He has an interesting story ... His father, also George, was born George(2) Schweitzer, in Margate, England, on 2 December 1912, to parents George(1) Schweitzer and Cornelia Haven Peabody (born New York, 12 June 1880, died St. Jean de Luz, France, 10 September 1927). George(1) was a pastel painter, and George(3) believes that he changed his surname and that of his son George(2) to Romilly, when he was in the British military during World War 1 (the name Schweitzer being perhaps something of a liability in England at that time!) Romilly, it seems, was George(1)'s mother's maiden name (but sadly, we don't have a connection to other Romilly family trees).

Arthur Hovell Romilly

Had a daughter, Monica Blanchflower, grandmother to the husband of Sarah Chaudoir (from whom the information, thanks ...) Listed in World War 1 Roll of Honour at Bexhill, Sussex, together with Francis Henry Romilly. Both were captains, according to the Great War Index.

Double-barrelled Romillys

Henry Romilly Fedden

Author of "Suicide: A Social and Historical Study" (London, 1938).

A. Romilly Fedden (1875 - 1939)

Landscape painter, lived in Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Sussex and Chantemesle in France. Nice watercolours. Also known for writing "Golden Days, From the fishing log of a painter in Brittany", about his enjoyment of fishing; see for instance "Fly fishing in Brittany".

J. Romilly Allen

Author of "Celtic Art in Pagan and Christian Times" (1904, facsimile reprinted 1993).

First-name Romillys

Romilly Bowden

Born 1934 in Grays, Essex. Years and years in computers. Specialist in industrial control and communications protocols, especially the HART® protocol. Now more or less retired, living with wife Sheila in Bognor Regis, West Sussex, England. Here are some more pictures. For technical stuff, see my "HART and Fieldbus" website.

and many others ...

Romilly Jenkins

Translator, with L.G. Westerlink, of letters of I. Nicholas (9th Century) (1973) and author of "Byzantium: the Imperial Centuries, AD610 - 1071" (1966, 1987)

Romilly John

Son of Welsh artist Augustus John. See also "Romillys in art and literature" below.

Romilly Page-Wood

Artist at Reading University's Plant Science Laboratory.

Romilly Lockyer

Photographer. Here and here are some samples.

Romilly Cocking

of the Smalltalk User Group and Cocking & Co. - specialists in Object Oriented Software.

(Ms.) Romilly Gregory

IT Project Manager at Oxfam. Joint author of "A Definition of Database Design Standards for Human Rights Agencies" (Washington, 1994). Romilly went to the same school as I did (St. Christopher School, Letchworth) but not at the same time!

Romilly Squire O.St.J., G.O.S.E., KNN., D.A., F.S.A.Scot., F.R.S.A., S.H.A.

Heraldic artist. Joint author (with George Way) of "Collins Scottish Clan and Family Encyclopaedia" (1995) and "Collins Pocket Reference - Clans and Tartans" (1996). Illustrator of "Kings and Queens of Europe: A Genealogical Chart of the Royal Houses of Great Britain and Europe", compiled by Anne Taute (1996). 4th Dan, organiser of the Edinburgh Taiseidokai Kendo Club and Baron-Baille of Plean, Class 1 member of the Noble Society of Celts.
Thanks to David Reid of Muirhall, Baron Sergeant of Plean and of Elphinstone, for confirmation that this gentleman can be seen "Also Also Appearing" in Monty Python and the Holy Grail.

Romilly David

Defence Systems Ltd, London.

Romilly Greenhill

Graduated from Brasenose College, Oxford in 1997, now working in London.

Romilly Edith May Davis

Student 5710065 at Blue Mountains Grammar School, Australia (Higher School Certificate, 1995). (Congratulations!)

Romilly (Erickson) Liloia

Pompton Plains, New Jersey.

Romilly Swann

Part owner (with husband Hugh) of "Jemima" and "Pedalduck" on the Kennet and Avon Canal in or around Reading.

Romilly Nolan

Played Gloria, in the 1992 Thames TV series "The Tomorrow People" by Roger Damon Price.

Romilly B. Stackpoole

Girls' Athletic Director for Middle School at University Liggett School, Grosse Pointe Woods, Michigan.

Romilly Saumarez Smith

Bookbinder in Limehouse, London.

Romilly D. Paul

Erstwhile political science student at York University, Canada. Now Customer Service Representative at Canadian satellite dish company Bell ExpressVu Inc.

Romilly Anne Drabble

Born 1981 in Essex, England; moved to USA in 1983. Currently (2006) studying Psychology at Montclair State University in New Jersey.

G. Romilly Goodfellow

Descended from Cecily de Romilly. Needlework designer(Golden Circle Designs) now moved from Eugene, Oregon to Cary, North Carolina.

Here's a tiny sample of Romilly's work, "Lucinda in the Rose Garden".

Romilly Branker

Digi-Data System Ltd., Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago.

Romilly Jane Bishop (1982 - )

Born and living in Western Australia.

Romilly Jane Wilson Hay (1991 - )

Born March 1991 in Edinburgh, daughter of Sheelagh and John Hay. (Thanks, John.)

(Ms.) Romilly Quain (1976 - )

Born July 1976, in Co. Limerick, Ireland. Studying for a Masters degree in MIS and Managerial Accounting at UCC Cork.

(Mr.) Romilly Hall (1975 - )

Journalist on the West Sussex County Times, living in Horsham, Sussex. Named after a great grandfather, Romilly Elliott, a Cornish tin miner. Also related to Australian "Romillys". (Details, maybe, somebody?).

Romilly R. Robinson

At James Madison University, Harrisonburg, Virginia.

Romilly Claire Siddall (née Wilson)

Born August 1973, in Martham, Norfolk (UK). Grew up in Blackmore, Essex, went to Chelmsford High School and Staffordshire University (1991 - 1994). Married (25 July 2001) to Andy, they are now living in Southern Ireland, and have a daughter Erin Robin Siddall (born 23 May 2003).

Romilly Caroline Elizabeth Whiteley

Born October 1992. Dad Stephen says: "a pretty little girl and future archaeologist or musician".

Romilly Megan Ioana Baicoianu

Born March 1985 in Ontario, Canada. Now living in California. Mother (Sheila) is originally from England, father from Romania.

(Miss) Romilly Harrison

Age 17, living in Guayaquil, Ecuador. School is the Inter American Academy. For much more, see Romilly's own home page.

(Miss) Romilly Belcourt

Born 1987(?) in London, now living in Canada.

Romilly Jack Eveleigh

Born March 1981. Named after Romilly John. Living in London, studying at Courtaulds (art history research) Institute.

(Miss) Romilly A. Haslam

Born March 1980 in Newbold Verden, Leicestershire. Now studying Veterinary Medicine at Bristol University. Home is in Richmond, North Yorkshire. E-mail to rh8437@bristol.ac.uk. Romilly says she would be very happy to hear from others.

Romilly Jane Ashdown (formerly Dron)

Born 1984(?). Of Scottish origin, now studying at the Royal Veterinary College in London (in her 4th and penultimate year, as of January 2006). Romilly has been travelling a lot (Thailand, Indonesia, Australia), and hopes to do more ...

Romilly B. Meager

Born 1936. A first-name Romilly, but also descended via mother and grandmother from Etienne Romilly and Sir Samuel. A long career with the BBC, ending up in Manchester as Engineering Manager on TV Outside Broadcasts. Romilly has provided a useful part of the Romilly family tree as an Excel spreadsheet (see note above). E-mail to romilly@onetel.net.

Romily Britton

Born (Romily Thompson) in 1949 in Margate, Kent. After 18 years in New Zealand, returned to work for the public library service in Bolton, Lancashire. Ralph and Romily have two children, aged 18 and 20.

Romilly Julia Helen Cecilia Wardell

Born September 1984 in Sutton Coldfield. At King Edward VI High School For Girls in Edgbaston, Birmingham. "Amongst the various sports I do netball, volleyball, athletics; I also love sailing. My future career is heading towards medicine, and being a typical female, my friends mean the world to me."

Romilly Ruth Everett

Born August 1984. Home is in Devon (UK). Studying geology at Cambridge University. Especially interested in the fossils (palaeontology) part.

(Mr.) Romily Broad

Born October 1976 in the UK. Educated at Crewkerne, Somerset and Bournemouth University. Web-designer and now sub-editor at NOW.com, an internet/digital TV company. Romily lives in London with fiancée Lynne. His own website is at www.romily.net.

Romilly Gransden (née Chipperfield)

Born in Glasgow, July 1973. Moved to Farnham, Surrey in 1976, educated at St Catherine's School in Bramley, then studied Psychology at Sussex University. Now living in Surrey with husband and two dogs.

(Mr.) Romilly Blackburn

Born October 1973 in Auckland, New Zealand. Registered Architect, co-founder and Chief Operations Officer of BSITE International Ltd., providing workforce management and project collaboration software for the global construction industry. Named (probably like several of us) after Romilly John.

Romilly Claire Goodall

Born 1979 in Crawley, Sussex. Dad chose the name having known Romilly Cocking. Now living in Tonbridge, Kent and working for an internet-based company in London. Romilly would love to hear from others.

Romilly Ann Rogers

Born and grew up in Hastings, East Sussex, named after Romilly Street in London. Now at Warwick University, graduated 2:1 last year (2002) in Economics and Politics (Congratulations!), now studying for a Masters degree in International Political Economy. Romilly has visited Romilly-sur-Peche in France. (Does anyone know anything more about that place?)

Alexander Romilly Bruford

Lived in Melbourne, Australia, with son Peter Alaxander Romilly Bruford, in the early half of the 20th century. (Info from Di Webster, thanks ...)

Lady Romilly McAlpine

Socialite wife of Lord McAlpine, collector of the fashions of Vivienne Westwood and co-author of "Vivienne Westwood: A London Fashion".

Romilly Edelman

Daughter of chef Anton Edelman (ex Savoy Hotel, London for 20 years).

Romilly Rene Foutz Farina

Born 1967 in Denver, Colorado; now living in Lewisville, Texas. Working as a Regional Contact Manager for Avaya. Married with three children: Chesley, Lucy and Henry.

Romilly Collins

Studying at Worcester College, Oxford. (More details, maybe, Romilly?)

Romilly Weeks

News correspondent for ITV News. Much more here. (Responsible for the naming of several recent Romillys!)

Romilly Cavan

This was the pseudonym of Isabelle Wilson (? - 1975), whose books were:

• Heron (in the US: Daughters of Richard Heron),1934
• To-morrow is Also a Day, 1935
• The Splendour Falls, 1936
• Characters in Order of Appearance, 1938
• Mary Cloud, 1939
• Beneath the Visiting Moon, 1940
• I'll See You Again, 1946
• All My Own Work, 1958

Romilly Forshall

Romilly Forshall is remembered by the Romilly Forshall Foundation, a UK charity set up in 2001 following Romilly's untimely death in 1999 at the age of 14. Its mission, together with Romilly's Association in France, is to relieve the suffering of children in distress in Africa. More about Romilly here.

From the '90s ...

(Miss) Romilly Smith

Born January 1991. Lives at home (UK) with sisters Josie and Katie, parents, grandad, his dog and two cats.

Romilly Janette Cole

Born June 1992. Lives in the Isle of Wight with her mum and dad.

Romilly Flora Beddow

Born September 1994. Living in Shepherd's Bush, London, with parents Emma and Dominic, brother Patrick, and Biscuit. (Oh, yes, if you were wondering, Biscuit is a cat!) Welcome, Romilly.

Romilly Grace Phear

Born September 1994. Living in Bedfordshire with mum Pippa, dad Paul, and sister Chloe Venetia. Enjoys painting, swimming, holidays and Barbies. Wants to be a horse rider. Welcome, Romilly.

(Miss) Romilly Jones

Born October 1995 in Durham. Parents Stewart and Andrea (and Romilly) live at Fencehouses, County Durham. Welcome, Romilly.

Romily Ellen Dutton

Born April 1996, daughter of Julie and Trevor Dutton. Welcome, Romily.

Romilly Evie Rose Browne

Born July 1996 in Bath, where she lives with parents Tom and Joanna Odam-Browne. Romilly is already a talented dancer and artist, say grandparents George and Penny Odam. Joanna met Bryony and Romilly Greenhill across the road from grandmother Penny's house in Beccles, Suffolk, and liked the name. (Of course!) Welcome, Romilly.

Romilly Lacey

Born September 1997 in Salisbury, daughter of Tamasin and Matthew Lacey. (Thanks to friend Robin Boswell for this.) Welcome, Romilly.

Romilly Beatrice Newman

Born March 1998 in New York City, daughter of Antonia and Peter Newman, sister for James and Griffin. (Thanks to friend Beck Underwood for this.) Welcome, Romilly.

Romilly Beatrix Violett

Born July 1998, fifth of her parents' beautiful daughters. Lives in Barnet, Hertfordshire. Welcome, Romilly.

Romilly Elizabeth Mary Brooks

Born April 1999 in Ashford, Kent, daughter of Martin and Cressy Brooks, a sister for Tallulah. (Present hobbies are reported as eating, sleeping and smiling!) Welcome, Romilly!

Linnea Camille Romilly Chappell

Born (August?) 1999 in Paris, daughter of Rosamund and Andrew Chappell. Thanks for the news, Andrew. Andrew has also provided information on his branch of the Romilly family tree, which is included in Romilly Meager's spreadsheet (see note above). Welcome, Linnea!

Romilly Zoe Hryczanek

Born September 1999 in Reading, Berkshire, daughter of Peter and Nikki Hryczanek, and sister for Max and Ross. Thanks for the news, Peter. Welcome, Romilly!

Gaia Romilly Wise

Born December 1999 in London, to parents Emma Thompson amd Greg Wise. Details and pictures at The Divine Miss Em. Welcome, Gaia Romilly!

and from the '00s ...

Romilly Anne Cerys Underwood

Born January 2001 in Auckland, New Zealand, daughter of Mary (originally from Wales) and Richard, living in Waiuku, NZ, with brother Jack and Flash the cat. Romilly has her own webpage already. Look there for more pictures and updates ...!
Welcome to the world, Romilly!

Romilly Madison Georgia Hicks

Born February 2001 in Subiaco, Perth, Western Australia, daughter of Caroline (née Gould, from Weston-Super-Mare, Somerset, England) and Stefan (from St. Andrews, Scotland). Romilly (Caroline says) is a picture of health and happiness...
Welcome to the world, Romilly!

Romilly Kathleen Hayward

Born March 2001 in Chelsea, London, daughter of Damaris and Justin Hayward.
Welcome to the world, Romilly!

Romilly Elen Hoggard

Born September 2001. Romilly was (then) known as Mimi, and lives with parents John and Vee Hoggard in Newbury, Berkshire. Vee says Romilly Elen means "hardworking angel", which the world needed at that time (and always will, I think)!
Romilly is due to start school in September 2006 and is very excited - she will be the first Romilly to go to the school and all the teachers and headmaster are very excited as none of them have ever taught a Romilly before. (So it goes ... isn't it great to have an unusual name?)

Romilly Victoria Proud

Born July 2002 in Stevenage, Hertfordshire, UK, daughter of Steve and Sonia Maria Proud. Romilly is absolutely gorgeous (Steve says) ... Steve also sends warmest regards to Romillys everywhere.
Welcome to the world, Romilly!

Romilly Constance Blackwell

Born September 2002 in Subiaco, Perth, Western Australia, daughter of Debs and Leon Blackwell. Romilly has lots more photos on her own website.
Welcome to the world, Romilly!

Alice Romily Nunn

Born June 2004. Alice Romily (on the left) and twin sister Isabel India Nunn. Proud parents are Jane and Charlie Nunn, Brits currently living in San Francisco, California.
Welcome to the world, Romily!

Romilly Dawn Hodgkinson

Born December 2004, to proud parents Joanne and Ian. Romilly was 6 weeks early but when ready will live in New Inn, South Wales, where she will join Max the Belgian shepherd dog and Oubert the cat.
Welcome to the world, Romilly!

Romilly Peggy Marriott

Born Petersfield, Hampshire (UK) in December 2004, daughter of Matthew Marriott and Helen (nee Cortis).
Welcome to the world, Romilly!

***... and more recent contacts ...

Romilly Catherine Sweeting

Born June 2004, much loved daughter of Cathy and Stacey Sweeting, a sister for brother Harrison, living in Winscombe, Somerset. First picture was Romilly at 9 months (nearly crawling). Second picture at 3½, with Harrison. Now, Cathy says, "an adorable little madam who unbelievably is due to start school in September 2008. We are very pleased that over the last 3 years her 'unusual' name has been very well received and commented about but rarely copied!"

Romilly Orla Whitrow

Born in February 2005, Romilly is absolutely beautiful (proud mother Trish says!) and (so far!) a little angel! They live just outside Daventry, Northamptonshire. Trish claims a nice historical connection through her grandfather, whose family were French Huguenots.
Welcome to the world, Romilly!

Romilly Anne Jones

Born December 2003 in Croydon, living in South London with parents Roger and Joanne.
Welcome to the world, Romilly!

(Ms.) Romilly Golding

Born 1975, in East Sussex, now working in Switzerland as an editor and copywriter. Apart from writing, Romilly's other passions are cooking and knitting. A couple of writings appear on the web, on Basel and Geneva. Yet another of us named after Romilly John.

Romily Gerome

Born February 1996 in San Francisco. (One birthday every four years, huh?) Romily is now in 4th grade and lives in Charlottesville, Virginia with mom, dad, sister and lots of pets!

Romilly Jade Bawden

Born August 2005 in Brisbane, Australia. A first child for Bilyana and Troy.
Welcome to the world, Romilly!

Romilly Catherine Ruby Feeney

Born June 2005 at 7lbs 1oz. A first baby and "an absolute joy" for Louisa and William Feeney, living near Norwich, UK.
Welcome to the world, Romilly!

Romilly Lauren Das

Born October 2002 in Derby. A daughter for John and Denise (nee Arrowsmith), and a sister for Oliver. Romilly is a spirited and lively little girl who loves to dance and sing (and, I think, to dress up!).
Welcome to the world, Romilly!

Romilly Bea Startup

Born December 2005 in Medway, Kent. A second daughter for Paul and Janine, sister to Harry Paul, Laura Jay, and Tom William.
Welcome to the world, Romilly!

Romilly Beatrice Redmond

Born July 2005 in Oakham, Rutland. A second daughter for Adrian and Lizzie, and a sister to Hugh and Kitty.
Welcome to the world, Romilly!

Romilly Clara Alice Walden

Born January 1998 in Surrey, now living with her parents in the Netherlands for a few years. Vriendelijke groeten, Romilly! (Is that right?)

Romilly Alice Young

Born February 2006 just outside Edinburgh. A daughter ("an absolute delight"!) for Jodi and Trevor, and a sister for Pippa (also in the first picture here). Nicknamed Ro or Ro-Ro by big sister. Moved to the Philadelphia area (USA) in mid-2006. She is now (2008) the middle child, as the family welcomed another daughter, Beatrix, in July 2007. Romilly's new T-shirt was made from a photo of the Romilly Street sign in London. Romilly's own website, with lots more pictures and videos, is at romilly.theyoungpages.com/.
Welcome to the world, Romilly!

(Miss) Romilly Turl

Born 1981, living in Surrey.

Romilly Sophia Poppy Moran

Born June 1999, darling daughter of Julian and Susie Moran (dad and mum are officers in the Royal Marines and the Royal Navy repectively). Romilly loves ballet, horses, school, her big brother and baby sister and "simply sparkles through life". Sophie took Romilly's name from Wordsworth's poem "The Force of Prayer" which she had read at school.

Romilly Sofia Davis-Barrett

Born on February 2006 in Bath, England. An "absolutely gorgeous" daughter for Amy and Michael.
Welcome to the world, Romilly.

Romilly Poppy Charlotte Rampton

Born on June 2006, a sixth child and second daughter for Sasha & Ian Rampton. Living in Hampshire (UK) with her sister and four brothers.
Welcome to the world, Romilly.

(Ms.) Romily Madden

Born on July 1980 in Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire. Granddad suggested the name, with one L, to avoid the possible shortening to "Milly"! Romily gained a degree in Politics and Modern History in 2002, and an MA in History, at Manchester University. Now living and working in London.

Romilly Ireland

Born November 2006 in Tooting, South West London. A daughter for Cecilia and Dave, the name is remembered from a childhood friend of Cecilia's. The picture is at 1 day old ...
Welcome to the world, Romilly.

Romilly Francesca Close

Born February 1994, Romilly lives in Molesey, Surrey, with parents and older brothers Toby and Patrick. She loves all animals: "my favourites are all big cats, velociraptors and sabre toothed tigers". The pictures are of "mixed cat" Kitty Mix and German Shepherd Alto. Another pet is budgie Sunny (also known as Squeaky). Romilly loves "all music, especially Seal, Snow Patrol, U2, Coldplay and Bryan Adams". You can find more on Flixster and YouTube.
Romilly points out that there are several streets named after her! (I shall add them to this page shortly ...)
 

Romilly Hoggan

Born in 1969, in Plymouth, Devon (England). Romilly moved to Canada in 1970, and is now a Canadian citizen, living in St. Catharines, Ontario. She loves her name (I think we all do!), but had never heard of another Romilly until a recent news report on Romilly Collins of Christie's. Named after author Romilly Cavan.

Romilly Lynn

Born April 1990, living in Leatherhead, Surrey with sisters Talya and Tertia and brother Gresham. Romilly is studying English Literature, Drama and Theatre Studies, Media Studies and Psychology, at Godalming College. More on Bebo ...

Romilly Charlotte Norma Gjessing

Born October 2006 in Sydney, Australia, a daughter for proud parents Rob Gjessing and Annabelle Daniel. Lots more pictures on Romilly's photogallery. ...

Romilly Bending

Born August 2003. Romilly lives in Cornwall (UK) with mother Annaliese, who has a selection of startling and beautiful photographs on her professional website at www.annaliese.co.uk.

Romily Alexandra Alice Porter

Born September 1995 in Norwich, Norfolk, now living in New Zealand.

Romilly Elizabeth Norman

Born May 1976 in Ipswich, Suffolk. Romilly says "My parents found the name Romilly in the Daily Telegraph births column, liked it and I got it. I didn't like it when I was a school as I wanted a popular name but now I love it, so good to be different." (I think most of us would agree with that.)

Romilly Martin

Born in 1979 in London, Romilly lives in Stoke Newington with boyfriend Will and cats Purple and Noodle. (The picture is of Noodle.) Romilly works at SonyBMG in London. As she says, "It's nice to see there are so many other Romillys out there".

Romilly Alice Willis

Born February 2007 in Surrey, a first child for Adrian and Sarah.
Welcome to the world, Romilly.

Romilly Clara Yule

Born September 2006 in London, a daughter for Kate and Lee, a sister for Louis Albert. Currently going by the nickname of "Pom".
Welcome to the world, Romilly.

Romilly Rose Pickering

Born December 2006, twin daughters for Matthew and Heather. The picture shows Romilly Rose (left) and her twin sister Eliza Violet (right) learning to sit up just before bedtime.
Welcome to the world, Romilly and Eliza.

Romilly Huxley

Born October 2001, in the UK. Romilly has just finished her first year at school, and is thrilled to find out that she isn't the only Romilly in the world! Romilly lives with parents Steffi and Steve, and sister Eleanor; Steffi says Romilly "is kind and helpful and lovely!"

Romilly Maia Beth Watson

Born June 2007, a daughter for Dr. I.M. & Mrs L.J.Watson, sister for Thomas (also pictured - well, why not?), living in Wotton-Under-Edge, Gloucestershire. Thanks to grandparents Ivor and Rosemary Dugdale-Jenkins for this news ...
Welcome to the world, Romilly.

Romilly Mae Holdsworth

Born October 2007 in West Yorkshire, a daughter for Nicky and Tim Holdsworth, "two of the luckiest people alive".
Welcome to the world, Romilly.

Romilly Louise Lloyd

Born September 2007 in Manchester. Grannie Lynn says Romilly was destined to be a Holly, until her Mummy saw Romilly Weeks on TV and hey presto!! she became one of a growing trend.
Welcome to the world, Romilly.

Romilly Jane McFarlin Palmateer

"Romy" was born in November 2007, in Philadelphia, PA, a second daughter for Betsy and Matt, who write: "She is a wonderful and very sweet baby girl! She joins big sister Quincy Elizabeth Fitch Palmateer who absolutely adores her!"
Welcome to the world, Romy.

Romilly Claudia Townsend

Born August 2006, living in Buckinghamshire. Mum Celia says: "she is a beautiful, vivacious and feisty child. I named her this as I have always thought it a very beautiful and unusual name."
Welcome to the world, Romilly.

Romilly Saffron Scales

Born January 2007, a second daughter for Rupert and Lisa of Thirsk, North Yorkshire, and little sister for Imogen Scarlett. Romilly is also called Rolly (as in Polly) and also Ro-Ro (when she was first born, Immy could not say Romilly - it has stuck!).
Welcome to the world, Romilly.

Romilly Kate Watkins

Born February 2003, a first daughter for Karen and James, currently living in Cwmbran, Gwent, Wales, UK. And yes, dad says, news reporter Romilly Weeks was responsible for the choice of name! Her current nickname is Roo, as in "Romilly Roo".
Welcome to the world, Romilly.

Romily Sara Calic

Born September 2007, in South Hobart, Tasmania. Mum Sophie says "We chose the name after meeting Romilly Forshall in France many years ago, who sadly died in her teens. It is such a beautiful name, and like many others, we have had so many positive comments about our unusual name! I've attached a picture of our beautiful girl to add to your collection." Romily has been given a variety of nicknames, from 'womolilly' to 'roma' to womo' to 'rom romily'. There is also a Romilly Street in South Hobart - only a few streets from where our Romily was born!"
Welcome to the world, Romily.

Romilly Eleanor Millett

Born March 2003, second of three beautiful daughters for Charles and Sally, currently living in Reading. Like so many others recently, her name was inspired by Romilly Weeks. "As a baby" Sally says, "we nicknamed her Rom Bom. Romilly started school in January 2008 and has been fascinated and happy to learn just how many other Romillys there are. Here is Romilly (on the right) with older sister Saffron, showing off the latest addition to our family, baby Aisha."
Welcome to the webpage, Romilly.

Romilly Rose Langron-Brown

Born July 2006, a sister for Finn Alexander. Mum Charlotte says "We initially decided to call her Romy (after Romy Schneider, Austrian actress) but weren't so keen on the name it was derived from, Rosemary. I did a little research into names and stumbled across Romilly; we both fell in love immediately".
Welcome to the webpage, Romilly.

 
Watch this space ... Thanks to all contributors ... and keep them coming!

Note to prospective parents:

Don't forget that Romilly is also a perfectly good boy's name - indeed I get the impression that until WW2 we were predominantly male.

Places called Romilly

• Romilly, Loir et Cher, 189 inhabitants.
• Romilly la Puthenaye, Haut-Normandie, Eure, 310 inhabitants.
• Romilly sur Aigre, Eure et Loir, 405 inhabitants.
• Romilly sur Andelle, Haut-Normandie, Eure, 2658 inhabitants.
• Romilly sur Seine, Champagne-Ardenne, Aube, 15557 inhabitants.
• and nearby St.Hilaire sous Romilly, 347 inhabitants, and Pars lès Romilly, 713 inhabitants.
• Romilly sur Peche, France. (Where is this?)
• Romilly Street, London W1.
• Romilly Road, London N4.
• Romilly Way, Fremont, CA 94536.
• rue Munier-Romilly, Geneva.
• Romilly Avenue, Lower Templestowe, Melbourne.
• Romilly Oval, Parma, OH 44129.
• Romilly Road West, Treganna, Caerdydd CF5 1FT, Wales.
• Romilly Street, Westport, South Island, New Zealand.
• Romilly Road, Barry, South Wales.
• Romilly Park, Barry, South Wales.
• Romilly Drive, Hadley Green / Barnet, Hertfordshire.
• Romilly Drive, Harrow, Middlesex.
• Romilly Court, Shoreditch, London.
• Port Romilly, Papua New Guinea, 7.67°S, 144.83°E. (Something to do with Hugh Hastings Romilly, perhaps? See above.)
• Romilly Street, Sunnybank Hills, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
• Romilly Street, South Hobart, Tasmania.

I have no idea about the origin of most of these - does anybody know anything???

And there's Romiley in Cheshire. According to the Gazetteer of Greater Manchester Placenames, the Domesday Survey of 1086 called the place "Rumelie" (roomy lea) meaning "a spacious woodland clearing". This Parish was once in Cheshire. In 1894 it was included in Bredbury and Romiley Urban District, and is now part of Stockport Metropolitan Borough.

Romillys in art and literature

Head of Romilly, the Artist's Son.

Oil painting of his son by Welsh artist Augustus John (1878 - 1961), London (ca. 1924). The original is in the Tate Gallery, London, reference N05292.

See also the Tate website.

Claire Romilly

Suspected spy in "Enigma", a novel by Robert Harris about the wartime codebreakers of Bletchley Park.

Romilly MacAran

Heroine of "Hawkmistress" in the Darkover fantasy series by Marion Zimmer Bradley, 1982. Here's more on the characters and plot.

Romilly

"The Boy of Egremont", son of Alice de Romilly. Alice allegedly founded the 12th century Bolton Priory in Yorkshire following her son's drowning in the Strid, part of the River Wharfe. This legend is recorded in the poem "The Force of Prayer; or, The Founding of Bolton Priory. A Tradition" by William Wordsworth (1807): "Young Romilly through Barden Woods is ranging high and low ...". The Strid, narrow but dangerously deep, is part of the Bolton Abbey estate, open to the public.

Romilly Bishop

Eponymous heroine of an unwritten novel, in a short story "The Beckoning Fair One" by Oliver Onions (1873 - 1961).

Table china ...

Made by Noritake Co., Limited of Japan. The "Romilly" pattern is apparently obsolete, but still available from several stores, for example here.

Musical instruments ...

Antique flutes, clarinets, oboes (and maybe more) originally made for Rudall, Carte and Company of London (mid-18th to mid-19th century - now part of Boosey and Hawkes). They still appear frequently on eBay. (If anyone knows more about these, please write ...)

Cushions ...

Cushions and cushion covers using Laura Ashley "Romilly" fabrics: "Duck egg" and "Gold" designs respectively. Thanks to Christine's Cushion Designs for these pictures.

And finally, a yacht!

Romilly is a 22-ft 1200 kg lugger, designed in 1995 by Nigel Irens and built by the Bridgend Boat Co in Plymouth, Devon, UK. Big sisters are Roxane (29-ft and 3200 kg) and Roanna(37-ft and 9500 kg).

Now it's your turn ...

What do you know about any of these, or other, Romillys, past, present or future????

E-mail me! Corrections or amplifications very welcome ...

If you are mentioned here, do please write and tell me more about yourself. Thanks to those who have already written, this page is growing! (Or, if you would rather not be mentioned, please accept my apologies, and just let me know.)

There'll be more updates to come. Watch this space!

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