Gibbs

Origin and Meaning: The surname Gibbs is of English origin, deriving from the medieval given name "Gib," a short form of the name "Gilbert." The name Gilbert originated from the Old English name "Gislbeorht," which means "bright hostage."

History: The surname Gibbs has ancient roots in England, with early recordings dating back to the 13th century. The Gibbs family has been prominent in various regions across England, particularly in the counties of Devon, Cornwall, and Kent. They were known for their involvement in agriculture, commerce, and cultural activities.

Migration: During the 17th and 18th centuries, many individuals bearing the surname Gibbs migrated to the American colonies and other parts of the British Empire. They contributed to the development of new settlements and played significant roles in the early establishment of these regions.

Notable Figures:

  • Sir Philip Gibbs (1877-1962): A British journalist and novelist known for his works during World War I and World War II.
  • Joe Gibbs: A famous American football coach and team owner, known for his success with the Washington Football Team.

Variants: Variants of the surname Gibbs include Gibb, Gibbes, and Gibbons. These variations reflect the evolution of the name over time and its adaptation to different linguistic influences.

Coat of Arms: The Gibbs family coat of arms features symbols such as lions, stars, and other heraldic elements that represent the family's heritage and history. The coat of arms is a visual representation of the family's identity and lineage.

Contemporary Presence: Today, the surname Gibbs continues to be widespread, with individuals bearing this name found across the United Kingdom, the United States, Australia, and other parts of the world. The Gibbs name carries a sense of tradition and history, reflecting the enduring legacy of this ancient English surname.

There are approximately 26,792 people named Gibbs in the UK. That makes it the 300th most common surname in Britain. Around 411 in a million people in Britain are named Gibbs.

Surname type: From name of parent

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
  • Michael
  • Paul
  • Peter
  • Robert
  • Stephen

Female

  • Carol
  • Elizabeth
  • Emma
  • Jane
  • Jennifer
  • Julie
  • Margaret
  • Mary
  • Nicola
  • Patricia
  • Rebecca
  • 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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