Origin of Hillbilly

Factual Questions
1

I’ve been trying to find out the true origin of the word “hillbilly.”

I had always heard and read that the word had its origins in the fact that most of the settlers of Appalachia were Ulster Scots, and as such, were supporters of the Protestant king, William of Orange. That led to a lot of hill-folk being named “Bill” or “Billy” in honor of King William. The word “hillbilly” supposedly was derived from the preponderance of Bills and Billies in the mountains.

An internet search only muddied the waters.

This site confirmed (more or less) the story I had been told, with the added twist that supporters of William were nicknamed “Billy Boys.”

On the other hand The Word Detective says the word “billy” has been used to mean “fellow” or “brother” in northern England and Scotland since the 16th century (before William of Orange came on the scene), and may be related to the word “bully.” (Scroll down to the article entitled “Bully for Y’all.”)

So which is it? Does anyone have the straight dope?

2

I would rely on The Word Detective on this one.

The other cite has some correct etymologies on other words, but nothing to back up their assertions on Hill-Billies.

3

Well, neither site really has anything to back up their assertions.

Are there any British posters who can confirm or refute the notion that “billy” is or was used in northern England and Scotland to mean “fellow” or “brother” (as asserted by the Word Detective)?