Gilbert Surname Meaning & Origin
What the Gilbert last name means, where the surname began and where it was first recorded.
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Meaning and origin of the Gilbert last name
Meaning of the Gilbert last name: from the Norman name Gilbert ("bright pledge"). Gilbert comes from a Germanic personal name joining gisil, "pledge, hostage", and berht, "bright, famous". It came to England with the Normans and was popular in the Middle Ages, giving pet forms such as Gib and Gibb. The surname is widespread in England, especially Devon, Cornwall and the Midlands. The Elizabethan explorer Sir Humphrey Gilbert claimed Newfoundland for England in 1583, and Gilbert of Gilbert and Sullivan wrote the libretti. Saint Gilbert of Sempringham founded the Gilbertine order, the only medieval monastic order of English origin, in the 12th century. The Gilberts of Compton in Devon were half-brothers of Sir Walter Raleigh. Gilbert families emigrated early to Virginia and New England.
Our historical archives hold much more on the Gilbert name: dates, names and records of early bearers.
This overview covers the Gilbert name in England. We also hold records of the name in other countries, such as the United States, France and Canada; your full pack is researched for your family's country of origin.
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Gilbert name FAQ
What does the Gilbert name mean?
From the Norman name Gilbert ("bright pledge"). Common variants include Gilberd, Gibbard, Gilbertson.
Where does the Gilbert surname come from?
It originates in England, and is also found in the United States, France and Canada.
Is there a Gilbert coat of arms?
Arms were granted to individuals, not whole surnames, so there is no single Gilbert crest. Herald Lab paints a personalized Gilbert coat of arms based on historic heraldry.
Researched by Herald Lab Research Studio, since 1993. Sources: Reaney & Wilson, Dictionary of English Surnames; Dictionary of American Family Names (Oxford); US Census Bureau 2010.