Gilbert Coat of Arms, Family Crest and Gilbert Family History

Gilbert Family History

The family history of the ancient name Gilbert was found in the irishsurnames.com archives. Meaning 'son of Gilbert', variants of this name include Gilbertson, Gibb, Gibson, Gibbs, Gibbonson, Gibbons, Gibbins and Gibbieson. This name was borne of the Gilbertines who were an English order founded in the twelfth century. This name is of Anglo-Saxon descent spreading to the Celtic countries of Ireland, Scotland and Wales in early times and is found in many mediaeval manuscripts throughout these countries. Examples of such are a Johannes Gybbson and a Nicholas Gybonson who were recorded in the 'Poll Tax' of the West Riding of Yorkshire, England, in the year 1379. A John Gybbessone was a recorded as a servitor of William Douglas, one of the hostages of Henry VI in 1425. An Elizabeth Gib is recorded in Craigmakerane, Scotland in 1585. In Ireland the name Gilbert has existed in Leinster Province for centuries. There are several towns named Gilbertstown found in five Irish Counties, including Counties Louth and Westmeath. The Gilbert family crest (or coat of arms) came into existence many centuries ago. The process of creating these coats of arms began as early as the eleventh century although a form of Proto-Heraldry may have existed in some countries prior to this, including Ireland. The new more formalized art of Heraldry made it possible for families and even individual family members to have their very own family crest, coat of arms, including Gilbert descendants.