Map of England showing where the Tibbetts arms are recorded
The Tibbetts arms were recorded in Northampton, c. 1620.
Northamptonshire was grazing and hunting country in the middle of England, thick with manor houses. Its families were numerous and long-settled, and a settled landed family almost always ended up with 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 Tibbetts 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 Northampton.
Origin & History of the Tibbetts Family in England
The surname Tibbetts originated as a diminutive form of the name Theobald, which was a popular choice in medieval England. Over time, the name evolved through various spellings such as Tibbot or Tibbits as it was passed down through generations. By the early seventeenth century, families bearing this name were well-established in the town of Northampton. Historical records confirm that members of the Tibbetts family were present in this region by 1620, a period defined by significant social and religious changes in England. These early ancestors were likely tradespeople or farmers who contributed to the local economy of the Northamptonshire area. As the seventeenth century progressed, the family name became a permanent fixture in the local parish registers, reflecting the deep roots the Tibbetts family established in their home community long before many of their descendants eventually migrated across the Atlantic.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Theobald
Derived from the Germanic elements meaning people and bold or brave.
This name
TibbettsA patronymic surname meaning son of Tibb, which is a medieval diminutive of Theobald.
also spelled
Tibbett
Tibet
Tybbet
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Bardsley, Charles Wareing Endell, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames, 1901
Northamptonshire Archives, Northampton All Saints Parish Registers, 1560–1700
Reaney, Percy Hide, A Dictionary of British Surnames, 1958
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
lionCourage, strength and royalty
maunchThe lady's sleeve, worn as a favour
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
lionCourage, strength and royalty
maunchThe lady's sleeve, worn as a favour
