A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Gibbard family of England.
Reg. 9440 · English, G–I
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
lionCourage, strength and royalty
Colours
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Historical info
Source
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“Gu. on a bend cotised ar. a lion pass. az”
Englandc. 1620
Where the Gibbard Arms Were Recorded
York
Map of England showing where the Gibbard arms are recorded
The Gibbard 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 Gibbard 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 Gibbard Family in England
The surname Gibbard is a patronymic name, which means it originated from the given name Gilbert. Over many centuries, the name evolved through various spellings as it was passed down through generations. By the early 17th century, the family had established a notable presence in the historic city of York. Records confirm that members of the Gibbard family were living there by 1620, a time when York was a bustling center of trade and religious life in Northern England. During this period, families often lived near the city walls or within the shadow of the great cathedral, participating in the local guilds and civic duties that defined life in a medieval city. As the family grew, they became part of the social fabric of the region, contributing to the local economy and the long history of the North Riding of Yorkshire.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Gebhard
Derived from Germanic elements meaning gift and brave or hardy.
This name
GibbardA patronymic surname originating from the Old German personal name meaning brave gift.
also spelled
Gibbart
Gibberd
Gibbert
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Bardsley, Charles Wareing, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames, 1901
York City Archives, York City Chamberlains' Accounts, 1620
Reaney, P.H., A Dictionary of British Surnames, 1958
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
lionCourage, strength and royalty
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
lionCourage, strength and royalty
