Bibby

Origin and Meaning

The surname Bibby is of English origin, derived from the medieval given name 'Bybia', a diminutive form of 'Isabel'. The name can also be traced back to the Ancient Hebrew name 'Elizabeth', meaning "God is abundance" or "God is my oath".

Distribution and Historical Significance

The surname Bibby has been predominantly found in the North West of England, particularly in Lancashire and Merseyside. It has a long history in England, with records dating back to the 14th century. The Bibby family was notably influential in the shipping industry, founding Bibby Line, a renowned British shipping company, in the 19th century.

Variants and Derivatives

Variants of the surname Bibby include Bibbie, Bibe, Bubbe, and Bubby. Over time, different spelling variations have emerged, reflecting the evolving nature of language and regional dialects.

Notable Individuals

  • Sir Bernard Bibby (1892–1977) – British businessman and philanthropist, pivotal in the development of Bibby Line.
  • June Bibby – British actress known for her performances in classic British theatre productions.
  • Dr. Elizabeth Bibby – Noted researcher in the field of genetic biology and hereditary traits.

There are approximately 6,322 people named Bibby in the UK. That makes it roughly the 1,499th most common surname in Britain. Around 97 in a million people in Britain are named Bibby.

Surname type: From given name or forename

Origin: English

Region of origin: British Isles

Country of origin: England

Religion of origin: Christian

Language of origin: English

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Andrew
  • Christopher
  • David
  • James
  • John
  • Mark
  • Michael
  • Paul
  • Peter
  • Stephen

Female

  • Claire
  • Elizabeth
  • Emma
  • Helen
  • Janet
  • Margaret
  • Mary
  • Patricia
  • Rachel
  • Sarah
  • Susan

Similar and related surnames

Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.

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