Map of England showing where the Gribbon arms are recorded
The Gribbon 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 Gribbon 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 Gribbon Family in England
The family name Gribbon has deep roots in the English county of Norfolk, where records confirm members of the family were living as early as 1513. During the sixteenth century, Norfolk was a bustling center for trade and agriculture, which likely shaped the daily lives of the early Gribbons. Many families in this region during the Tudor period were involved in the wool industry or small-scale farming, as the landscape was well-suited for these activities. The name itself is thought to have evolved from local dialects and naming customs common in East Anglia at the time. By settling in this specific part of England, the early Gribbons became part of a stable community that survived through changing political landscapes and economic shifts. Over the following centuries, the family name remained tied to the history of the region, reflecting the quiet persistence of local families who built their lives in the English countryside.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Gryphon
A mythical creature with the body of a lion and eagle head.
This name
GribbonA nickname for a person who possessed a fierce or watchful nature like the legendary beast.
also spelled
Gibboun
Gibbony
Gibons
Gybbon
Gybbons
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Norfolk Record Office, Archdeaconry of Norwich: Wills and Administrations, 1513
Rye, Walter, A Calendar of the Feet of Fines for Norfolk, 1885
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
