Surname Gibbes - Meaning and Origin

Gibbes: What does the surname Gibbes mean?

The surname Gibbes is of English origin and is considered a patronymic last name. It is primarily derived from the popular medieval personal name Gibb, which is a short form of Gilbert. The name Gilbert comes from the Old Germanic "Gisilbert," which is a compound of "gisil," meaning hostage or noble youth, and "berht," meaning bright or famous. Names such as Gilbert were brought to England by the Normans during the conquest in 1066. Over time, the name Gilbert developed pet forms such as Gib and Gibbs. The "s" at the end of Gibbes signifies "son of," thus giving the meaning "son of Gibb" or "son of Gilbert." Therefore, the surname Gibbes suggests a genealogical significance, indicating "descendant of Gib," a person who was possibly well-known or highly regarded in society. Surnames were often adopted for practical purposes such as differentiating individuals with the same first names, so it is likely the surname Gibbes was first used to identify "the son of Gib or Gilbert."

Gibbes: Where does the name Gibbes come from?

The surname Gibbes originated from Germany and is derived from the personal name Gibb, which is a short form of Gilbert. This name was brought to England during the Norman Conquest in the 11th century. Over time, the surname Gibbes has been transformed into various forms due to factors such as regional dialects and phonetic spelling.

The surname found its way to America and the West Indies around the 17th century, where it was carried by settlers and immigrants. There has been significant migration from those regions across the globe.

Today, the last name Gibbes is quite common in the United States, England, and Australia with few also found in Canada and New Zealand. However, it is most prevalent in Barbados, likely due the migration that occurred during the colonial period when many people from the UK migrated to the Caribbean as indentured servants or to seek better opportunities. As a result, the Gibbes surname can also be found among people of African heritage in these areas.

Variations of the surname Gibbes

The surname Gibbes is of English origin and has many variants and spellings due to migration and regional dialects. The most common variations of the surname Gibbes include Gibbs, Gibb, Gibbe, Gibs, Gebbs, and Gybbs. In some parts of England, it's spelled as Gibbons or Gubbins which can be traced back to the original surname. The surname also appears as Gibbens or Gibbins in different regions.

The surname Gibbes believed to be derived from the given name Gilbert or the occupation of a ‘gibb’ which refers to a breeder or dealer of horses in the 11th and 12th century, England. Its original spelling was 'Gybbes,' which got shortened and corrupted over time. Like many other surnames, the spelling has often been changed over the centuries with the introduction of literacy and as people moved to different regions or countries.

The surname was first found in Kent where they held a family seat from very ancient times. Further afield in Scotland, the Gibbes surname is similarly widespread, with a notable concentration in "Gibb's Hill" in Aberdeen.

Famous people with the name Gibbes

• Robert Gibbes: He served as the Governor of the Province of South Carolina from 1710 until 1711.
• Lewis R Gibbes: An American scientist and academic known for his work in physics and chemistry.
• George Smith Gibbes: He served as a tutor to Lord Byron's daughter and later became a cleric. He is also known for his association with poet Percy Bysshe Shelley and novelist Mary Shelley.
• Philip Gidley Gibbes: He was an Australian pastoralist and politician, notably serving in the New South Wales Legislative Assembly.
• John Gibbes: An American planter and politician from South Carolina who held several political offices in the early nineteenth century.
• Emily Gibbes: A notable English painter associated with the Pre-Raphaelite movement.
• James Gibbes: A British military man and adventurer in the 18th century, known for his intrigues and exploits in South America.
• Mary Hilliard Gibbes: A notable American debutante of the 1880s, known for her beauty and social standing.
• Doddridge Pitt Gibbes: A South Carolina plant owner and legislator in the American Civil War
• Tom Gibbes Williams: An American professional golfer who won several championships. Please note, some of these individuals may be more well-known in their respective fields or regions and less famous on an international scale.

Other surnames

Gibbels