A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Gibbens family of England.
Reg. 9178 · English, G–I
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
cross symbolChristian faith and service
lionCourage, strength and royalty
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
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)
“Ar. a lion ramp. gu. surmounted by a bend or, charged with three crosses pattée fitchée sa”
Englandc. 1620
Where the Gibbens Arms Were Recorded
York
Map of England showing where the Gibbens arms are recorded
The Gibbens 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 Gibbens 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 Gibbens Family in England
The surname Gibbens is a patronymic name, which means it originated as a way to identify a person as the son of someone named Gib or Gilbert. This name gained popularity in England during the Middle Ages as a shortened form of the Germanic name Giselbert, which translates to bright pledge. By the year 1620, records confirm that families bearing this name were well-established in the city of York. During this period, York served as a vital center for trade and religious life in Northern England. Members of the Gibbens family likely integrated into the local economy as skilled tradespeople or merchants, contributing to the growth of the city during the early seventeenth century. As the family grew, they became part of the social fabric of Yorkshire, reflecting the common practice of families settling in specific regions for generations.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Gilbert
Derived from Germanic elements meaning bright pledge or shining hostage.
This name
GibbensA patronymic surname meaning son of Gilbert, indicating descent from a bright pledge.
also spelled
Gibbins
Gibbings
Gibbon
Related arms
Gibbines, Gibblings, or Gibbinsvariant spelling
Gibbingsvariant spelling
Gibbinsvariant spelling
Gibbonvariant spelling
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Reaney, P.H. and Wilson, R.M., A Dictionary of English Surnames, 1991
Bardsley, Charles Wareing, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames, 1901
Borthwick Institute for Archives, York Diocesan Probate Records, 1620
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
cross symbolChristian faith and service
lionCourage, strength and royalty
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
cross symbolChristian faith and service
lionCourage, strength and royalty
