Map of England showing where the Gibb arms are recorded
The Gibb arms were recorded in England, c. 1620.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in York.
Yorkshire is the largest of the English counties, and it held more gentry families than any other. Land there was split among a great many households rather than a few, so a great many of them carried arms.
This is where the arms were entered in the register. Families often moved to other parts of the country, so the same name can turn up in more than one region.
The body that granted and recorded arms in England in this period.
James VI and I
Sovereign of the period
James VI and I
1603–1625
Reigning in England when the Gibb arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in England
English heraldry allowed arms to be shared by all legitimate descendants of the original owner. These symbols were treated as personal property that moved through the generations to all children. While the eldest son kept the original design, other family members could use the same shield without needing to change it or register their own unique versions.
Granting authority
The College of Arms in London has regulated the use of coats of arms throughout England and Wales since 1484.
How they got arms
Families typically obtained their coats of arms through a formal grant from the Crown or by proving their ancient right to them.
Where arms were recorded
All official coats of arms are recorded in the registers kept at the College of Arms, which date back to the fifteenth century.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of England.
Origin & History of the Gibb Family in England
The surname Gibb originated as a shortened version of the name Gilbert, which was a popular choice in medieval times. It eventually became a common nickname for people who were known by that formal name. By the early 17th century, the family had established a notable presence in the city of York. Records from 1620 confirm that members of the Gibb family were living and working within this historic English hub. During this era, families often moved to cities like York to take advantage of the growing trade networks and the stability offered by urban centers. The name remained closely tied to these northern roots for generations, reflecting the broader patterns of migration and family settlement in post-medieval England.
Gibb Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
Gilbert
A Germanic name composed of elements meaning bright and pledge or hostage.
This name
GibbA medieval diminutive form of the name Gilbert, often used as a patronymic surname.
also spelled
Gybbes
Related arms
Gibsvariant spelling
Gybbesvariant spelling
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Reaney, P.H., A Dictionary of English Surnames, 1958
Bardsley, Charles Wareing, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames, 1901
York City Archives, York City Chamberlains' Account Rolls, 1620
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
armA person of action, industrious and laborious
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
armA person of action, industrious and laborious
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
