A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Gibbon family of England.
Reg. 7072 · English, G–I
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
lionCourage, strength and royalty
escallopThe pilgrim's shell, and a long journey made
Colours
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
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)
“Or, a lion ramp. sa. debruised by a bend gu. charged with three escallops ar”
NorfolkNorfolk, c. 1513
Where the Gibbon Arms Were Recorded
Norfolk
Map of England showing where the Gibbon arms are recorded
The Gibbon arms were recorded in Norfolk, c. 1513.
Norfolk grew rich on wool and grain, and its wealth was spread among many middling families rather than a few great ones. Households of that kind bought land and took arms, and the county holds a large share of English names.
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.
Henry VIII of England
Sovereign of the period
Henry VIII of England
1509–1547
Reigning in England when the Gibbon 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 Norfolk.
Origin & History of the Gibbon Family in England
The surname Gibbon traces its linguistic roots to the medieval period as a diminutive form of the name Gilbert. It originated as a nickname or a pet name, eventually becoming a permanent hereditary surname as record-keeping practices grew more formal across England. By the year 1513, historical evidence confirms that members of the Gibbon family were well-established residents of Norfolk. During this era, families often settled in specific rural parishes where they worked as landowners or tradespeople. The presence of the family in Norfolk during the early sixteenth century suggests they were part of the local social fabric long before the name became widely documented in national registers. Over several generations, these early ancestors helped shape the local community through their agricultural and professional contributions to the region.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Gilbert
Derived from Germanic elements meaning bright pledge or radiant hostage.
This name
GibbonA diminutive form of the name Gilbert, historically used as a patronymic surname.
also spelled
Gibboun
Gibbony
Gibons
Gybbon
Gybbons
Related arms
Gibbens, or Gibbinsvariant spelling
Gibonsvariant spelling
Gybbonvariant spelling
Gybbons, or Guybonvariant spelling
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
Reaney, P.H., A Dictionary of British Surnames, 1958
The National Archives, Early Chancery Proceedings, C 1/352/39 (Record of a legal dispute involving a Gibbon family member in Norfolk, c. 1504–1515)
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
escallopThe pilgrim's shell, and a long journey made
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
lionCourage, strength and royalty
escallopThe pilgrim's shell, and a long journey made
