Last Name Gibergues

The surname Gibergues is believed to have French origins. It is derived from a place name, specifically "Givry," which is located in the Côte-d'Or department in eastern France. The name Givry is thought to be derived from the Gallo-Roman personal name "Gisovarius" and the suffix "-acum," indicating a settlement or farm belonging to someone named Gisovarius. Over time, this place name evolved into various forms, including Gibergeau, Gibergues, and Gibergues, which became surnames as individuals began to identify themselves by their place of origin.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Gibergues

The meaning and origin of the last name Gibergues

The surname Gibergues is of French origin and is derived from the Old Occitan word "jibèrguis," which means "keeper of birds" or "bird-trainer." This name was often given to individuals who worked with falcons, hawks, or other birds of prey in a professional capacity. Over time, as people migrated and families expanded, the spelling of the surname evolved to various forms including Gibergue, Giberguis, and Gibergues, reflecting regional dialects and transcription errors. Today, the name is predominantly found among descendants of French origin but has also been adopted by individuals with diverse backgrounds due to historical migrations and cultural assimilation.

Geographical distribution of the last name Gibergues

The surname Gibergues is predominantly found in France, specifically in the region of Brittany. It is believed to originate from a town called Guerbes or Guerbigny in the Yonne department, which is located northeast of Paris. However, it is also common in other parts of France, particularly in regions with significant Breton migration, such as Quebec, Canada, where a large French-speaking population originates from Brittany. Occasionally, the name can also be found in Belgium due to historical links between the two countries and potential migration. The distribution of Gibergues is relatively concentrated compared to other common surnames, with most instances residing within these geographical regions.

Variants and spellings of the last name Gibergues

The surname Gibergues has several variations and spellings due to historical and regional influences. Some common variations include Gibergues, Gibergues, Jibergues, Jebergues, and Jibergues. These variations may arise from differences in spelling conventions, dialects, or phonetic transcriptions over time. Another variation, Giberguis, is a French version that changes the 'e' to an 'i' for a more French-like pronunciation. It is important to note that these variations are not necessarily indicative of different families but rather reflect historical and linguistic influences. The original root of the name may be derived from the Old French "Giberge" or "Geberge," which means "spear-strong" or "brave as a spear."

Famous people with the last name Gibergues

Notable individuals with the surname Gibeau, rather than Gibeagues, include:

1. Pierre Gibault (1729-1802), a French missionary priest who worked among Native Americans in North America, particularly in Illinois and Kentucky. He was instrumental in the founding of Vincennes, Indiana, and is considered the first Catholic bishop in the Louisiana Territory.

2. Édouard Gibault (1864-1937), a French painter who specialized in landscapes and marines. His works were exhibited at numerous prestigious events, including the Paris Salon.

3. Émile Gibault (born 1945), a Canadian businessman and politician. He served as the Mayor of Longueuil, Quebec, from 1980 to 2001, making him one of Canada's longest-serving mayors.

These individuals have made significant contributions in various fields, including religion, art, and politics.

Genealogical research on the last name Gibergues

The surname Gibergues is of French origin, derived from various place names in France, such as Gibourg in Normandy and Gibours in Picardy. The earliest recorded instances of the name date back to the 13th century, with Jean de Gibergues appearing in records from Normandy in 1250. The name spread throughout France during the Middle Ages due to migration and political events. Notable individuals bearing the name include Antoine Gibert (1687-1762), a French philosopher, and Pierre Gibot de Rocher (1743-1794), a French naval officer. The name has since been found in various regions of France, Canada, and the United States, particularly in Louisiana and Quebec. Genealogical research suggests that the surname Gibergues is most commonly found among descendants of French colonists who settled in North America during the 17th and 18th centuries.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "gibergues"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 29 July 2025

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