Gibbs
A surname most often derived from the medieval personal name Gilbert, meaning “bright pledge” or “shining oath.”
The #515 most common surname in the United States (2010 Census) — about 1 in every 4,745 Americans shares it.
Etymology
Gibbs is generally treated as a patronymic from the medieval pet form Gib or Gibb, itself from the Norman name Gislebertus, later Gilbert. Gilbert is made from Germanic elements often explained as meaning “pledge” or “oath” plus “bright” or “famous.” The surname therefore began as “son of Gib/Gibb,” with the final -s marking descent or possession in English naming practice.
History
Historical surname dictionaries note Gibbs as a very common English name and list related forms such as Gibb, Gibbes, Gibbings, and Gibson. It was established in Britain by the Middle Ages and later spread widely, especially in England and Scotland, before becoming common in North America as well. Some older works also mention gentry families bearing the name in several English counties.
Origin
Regions
Variant spellings
Fun fact
Older surname works connect Gibbs with a whole family of related surnames built on the nickname Gib, including Gibb, Gibbings, and Gibson.
From the historical record
“following entry occurs : t6oo- Married— John Gibbs and Joan to show that it was an imitation of the term for the then prevailing fashion. No doubt her real name”
— A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames, with special American instancesNotable people named Gibbs
- Josiah Willard Gibbs (1839–1903)
- Kieran Gibbs (b. 1989)
Sourced from Wikidata; linked to their Wikipedia page.