Date
Meaning & History
The meaning of the first element of this name is uncertain. Some sources theorise that it is derived from a Germanic (possibly Saxon) word that meant "gentleness". Compare Proto-Germanic *biliz meaning "gentle, kind" as well as "fair, decent".Other sources connect the first element to Old High German bîl meaning "axe, hatchet". Also compare modern Dutch bijl and modern German Beil meaning "axe, hatchet".Finally, one source states that this element might possibly be Celtic in origin, in which case it might come from bilo meaning "safe, secure" as well as "good, fortunate".The second element of this name is derived from Old High German grimo meaning "mask".