Map of France showing where the Gilbert arms are recorded
The Gilbert arms were recorded in Franche-Comte, c. 1605.
Franche-Comte sat between France and the Empire and changed hands more than once. Border families held their land under arms and expected to defend it, so a shield was a practical thing rather than an ornament.
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 France in this period.
Henry IV of France
Sovereign of the period
Henry IV of France
1589–1610
Reigning in France when the Gilbert arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in France
In France, a coat of arms was a mark of honor that passed down through the male line to all legitimate descendants. Families often used the same shield without changes to show their shared heritage. If a branch wanted to stand out, they could add a small mark to their shield to show their specific place in the family tree.
Granting authority
The Juge d'armes de France acted as the official authority that regulated and verified coats of arms across the country.
How they got arms
Families typically inherited their arms from ancestors, though they could also receive them through royal grants or by proving their noble status.
Where arms were recorded
Coats of arms were officially recorded in the Armorial Général de France, which began its main collection in the year 1696.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Franche-Comte.
Origin & History of the Gilbert Family in France
The name Gilbert traces its roots to the ancient Germanic tribes, eventually becoming a popular given name in France before evolving into a hereditary surname. By the early 17th century, the family was firmly established in the region of Franche-Comté, a territory known for its rugged landscape and complex history on the border of France and the Holy Roman Empire. Records from 1605 show that members of the Gilbert family were active participants in the local society of this mountainous area. During this period, the family likely lived as part of the rural or merchant classes, navigating the social shifts of a region that was transitioning between different political powers. Their presence in Franche-Comté suggests they were deeply connected to the local customs and traditions of the Jura mountains, where families often maintained strong ties to their land and community for generations.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
Colours
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
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. a bend vairé ar. and sa”
DerbyYoulgreve · Derby, c. 1300
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Map of England showing where the Gilbert arms are recorded
The Gilbert arms were recorded in Derby, c. 1300.
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.
Edward I of England
Sovereign of the period
Edward I of England
1272–1307
Reigning in France when the Gilbert 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 Gilbert Family in England
The surname Gilbert originated from the Germanic personal name Giselbert, which combines the elements for a pledge or hostage and bright or famous. Following the Norman Conquest of 1066, this name became popular among the ruling class in England. By the year 1300, historical records confirm that members of the Gilbert family were well-established in the town of Derby. During this period, the family likely functioned as part of the growing merchant or artisan class, as Derby was becoming a significant center for trade and local administration. Because surnames were often adopted based on a father’s given name, the family likely took the name Gilbert to honor a prominent ancestor who lived shortly after the arrival of the Normans. Over the following centuries, the family continued to grow within the Midlands, eventually spreading across the English countryside as they took on roles in local government and farming.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
bordureA difference between branches of one family
cinquefoilHope and joy
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
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. on a chev. gu. three cinquefoils of the first pierced of the second, a bordure engr. of the last”
Irelandc. 1645
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Map of Ireland showing where the Gilbert arms are recorded
The Gilbert arms were recorded in Ireland, c. 1645.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in Dublin.
Dublin was the seat of government in Ireland and the place where grants were sought and recorded. Families with business at the castle or the courts settled nearby, and settling there put their arms on record.
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 Ireland in this period.
Charles I of England
Sovereign of the period
Charles I of England
1625–1649
Reigning in France when the Gilbert arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Ireland
The Ulster King of Arms granted coats of arms to individuals who proved their social standing and good character. These symbols were typically inherited by all legitimate descendants of the original holder. If a family branch wanted a unique look, they could apply for a specific change to their design through the office to ensure their identity remained distinct.
Granting authority
The Ulster King of Arms acted as the official body that regulated and issued all coats of arms throughout Ireland.
How they got arms
Families obtained their arms through formal grants issued by the office after proving their eligibility and paying the required fees.
Where arms were recorded
All official grants were recorded in the registers held by the Ulster King of Arms starting from the year 1552.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Ireland.
Origin & History of the Gilbert Family in Ireland
The name Gilbert arrived in Ireland primarily through the movement of settlers from England during the seventeenth century. By 1645, records confirm that members of the Gilbert family were well-established in Dublin, where they participated in the city's growing commercial and civic life. The name itself originates from the Old German name Giselbert, which means a bright pledge or a hostage. As the family integrated into Irish society, they often occupied roles as merchants or tradesmen who helped shape the urban economy of the capital. Over time, these early settlers became a permanent part of the local population, moving beyond their initial arrival as newcomers to become deeply rooted in the history of the Dublin region.
Gilbert Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
Gisilberht
Derived from Germanic elements meaning bright pledge or hostage.
This name
GilbertA name signifying a bright or shining promise or hostage.
also spelled
Gillebert
Gilberd
Gilbard
Gylbert
Related arms
Alves, or Alvassimilar arms
Gillebertvariant spelling
Gilbardvariant spelling
Gilberdvariant spelling
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Dauzat, Albert. Dictionnaire étymologique des noms et prénoms de France. 1951
Archives départementales du Doubs, Série B: Cours et juridictions
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mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
bordureA difference between branches of one family
cinquefoilHope and joy
