Map of England showing where the Gibbs arms are recorded
The Gibbs arms were recorded in Derby, c. 1620.
Derbyshire had lead mines in its hills and good grazing in its valleys. Both made steady money, and families who made it bought manors, which is what put their names into the heraldic records.
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 Gibbs 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 Derby.
Origin & History of the Gibbs Family in England
The surname Gibbs originated in England as a patronymic name, which means it was derived from the given name of a father or ancestor. It is a shortened form of Gilbert, a name of Germanic origin that became very popular in England after the Norman Conquest. During the Middle Ages, the nickname Gib became a common way to refer to someone named Gilbert. Over time, families added an "s" to the end of the name to indicate that they were the children or descendants of a man named Gib. By the year 1620, records confirm that members of the Gibbs family were well-established in the city of Derby. These early ancestors were likely tradespeople or farmers who contributed to the growth of the local community during a period of significant social change in England.
Gibbs Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
Gilbert
A Germanic name composed of elements meaning bright pledge or hostage.
This name
GibbsA patronymic surname derived from the medieval diminutive form of the name Gilbert.
also spelled
Gibbes
Gibbess
Gibbeson
Gib
Gibbe
Related arms
Gibvariant spelling
Gibbevariant spelling
Gibbesvariant 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
Cottle, Basil, The Penguin Dictionary of Surnames, 1967
Derbyshire Record Office, Derby St. Peter’s Parish Registers, 1620
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axeThe execution of military duty
axeThe execution of military duty
