GILBERT
Gilbert
Etymology and Origins
The surname Gilbert is of ancient English origin, deriving from the given name "Gilbert." The name itself is composed of the Old English elements "gil," meaning "hostage" or "pledge," and "beorht," meaning "bright" or "famous." As a result, Gilbert can be translated to mean "bright hostage" or "famous pledge." The name Gilbert was first introduced into England by the Normans after the Norman Conquest of 1066, and it quickly became popular among the Anglo-Norman nobility.
Historical Significance
The surname Gilbert has a long history, with prominent individuals bearing this name across various fields. One of the most well-known figures with the surname Gilbert was Sir Humphrey Gilbert (1539-1583), an English explorer, member of Parliament, and half-brother to Sir Walter Raleigh. Sir Humphrey Gilbert is renowned for his pioneering efforts to establish English colonies in North America and is often credited with laying the groundwork for future English colonization of the region.
Distribution and Popularity
The surname Gilbert is widespread in the United Kingdom, with significant concentrations found in England, Scotland, and Wales. It is also prevalent in other English-speaking countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, where descendants of Gilbert families can be found.
Variants and Derivatives
Over time, the surname Gilbert has given rise to several variants and derivatives, including Gilberd, Gilbard, and Gilbart. The spelling of the surname may have evolved due to regional dialects, phonetic variations, or changes in recording methods. Despite these variations, all branches of the Gilbert family share a common ancestry and historical origin.
Notable Individuals
Throughout history, individuals with the surname Gilbert have made significant contributions in various fields, including literature, science, politics, and the arts. Some notable bearers of the surname Gilbert include William Gilbert (1544-1603), an English physician and natural philosopher known for his pioneering work in the field of magnetism, and Elizabeth Gilbert (b. 1969), an American author best known for her memoir "Eat, Pray, Love."
Legacy
The surname Gilbert continues to be an enduring symbol of heritage and lineage for individuals and families across the world. With a rich history and diverse cultural significance, the Gilbert surname serves as a link to the past and a source of pride for those who bear it.
In conclusion, the surname Gilbert stands as a testament to the complex tapestry of English history, language, and culture, embodying a legacy of resilience, exploration, and innovation.
There are approximately 33,017 people named Gilbert in the UK. That makes it the 236th most common surname in Britain. Around 507 in a million people in Britain are named Gilbert.
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
- David
- James
- John
- Mark
- Michael
- Paul
- Peter
- Richard
- Stephen
Female
- Christine
- Elizabeth
- Emma
- Helen
- Jane
- Margaret
- Mary
- Nicola
- Patricia
- Sarah
- Susan
Similar and related surnames
- Gilbertson
- Gibbon
- Gipp
- Gipson
- Gibbens
- Gibbings
- Gibbard
- Gibbons
- Gibson
- Gibbson
- Gibbes
- Gibby
- Gibb
- Gibbs
- Gilbar
- Gelbert
- Jilbert
- Gilbard
- Gilbart
- Gilabert
- Gibault
- Glibert
- Gilber
- Gilberti
- Gilberto
- Gilbeart
- Gilberd
- Gilberg
- Gilbern
- Gilberry
- Gilbers
- Gilberson
- Gilberton
- Gilberts
- Gilbertt
- Gilbery
- Gilbirt
- Gilborn
- Gilbrt
- Gilburd
- Gilburn
- Gilburt
- Gilbury
- Gilert
- Giliberti
- Giliberto
- Gillbar
- Gillbard
- Gillberg
- Gillberry
- Gillbert
- Gillibert
- Gilvert
- Gilberston
- Gilberthorp
- Gilberthorpe
- Gilbo
- Gilborne
- Gilbreth
- Gillborn
- Guilbault
- Guilbert
- Gulbert
- Gilbreath
- Gilbride
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.