Gibbons

Origin

Gibbons is a surname of English and Irish origin. In England, it is derived from the medieval personal name Gibbon, a diminutive form of Gilbert. The name Gilbert itself has Old Germanic roots, meaning "bright pledge" or "noble youth". In Ireland, Gibbons is often an anglicized form of the Gaelic surname "GibĂșn", which is derived from the word "gib" meaning "mouth" or "edge".

Distribution

The surname Gibbons is found predominantly in the United Kingdom, particularly in England and Ireland. It is also present in other English-speaking countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, largely due to historical migration patterns.

Notable Individuals

  • Orlando Gibbons (1583-1625): English composer and organist, known for his choral and keyboard works during the late Renaissance and early Baroque periods.
  • Beth Gibbons (b. 1965): British singer-songwriter, best known as the frontwoman of the band Portishead, a trip-hop group that gained international acclaim in the 1990s.
  • Cedric Gibbons (1893-1960): Irish-American art director and production designer, known for his work on numerous classic Hollywood films, including designing the Oscar statuette.

Coat of Arms

The Gibbons family crest typically features symbols such as lions, crosses, and stars, which are common in British heraldry. These elements often symbolize qualities like courage, faith, and honor.

Legacy

The surname Gibbons carries a rich historical and cultural legacy, reflecting the diverse backgrounds and achievements of individuals bearing this name. From music and art to literature and beyond, the Gibbons name has left its mark on various fields, contributing to the broader tapestry of British and Irish heritage.

There are approximately 21,706 people named Gibbons in the UK. That makes it the 395th most common surname in Britain. Around 333 in a million people in Britain are named Gibbons.

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
  • Robert

Female

  • Catherine
  • Christine
  • Elizabeth
  • Emma
  • Joanne
  • Julie
  • Margaret
  • Mary
  • Patricia
  • Sarah
  • Susan

Similar and related surnames

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

BritishSurnames.uk is a Good Stuff website.