NomOrigine Background

Last Name Gibes

What is the origin of the last name Gibes?

The origin of the surname Gibbs can be traced back to England. It is derived from several possible sources. One theory suggests that it originated as a nickname for someone with a hooked nose, coming from the Old English word "gyb" meaning hook or crook. Another theory is that it could have been an occupational name for a maker of baskets or mats, derived from the Middle English word "gybb(e)" which meant a type of basket or mat. A third possibility is that it could have been a habitational name from any of the places named Gibb(e)s in various parts of England, such as Gibb(e)s Grange in Yorkshire or Gibbs Farm in Staffordshire. Over time, the spelling has evolved with variations like Gybbes, Jibbs, and Jibbes.

Unlock and discover the hidden secrets of the surname Gibes

Unlock the Secrets of Your Surname Now

For only 3.95 $, you get:

  • Full access for 7 days
  • Unlimited access to all name and surname profiles
  • High-quality Origin Certificate
  • Download: Keep a precious memory with your origins downloadable in PDF format.
  • Unlimited search
  • Ad-Free: Enjoy a smooth and uninterrupted user experience.
  • ✅ 15-Day Money-Back Satisfaction Guarantee!
Unlock the Secrets of Your Surname Now
🎁 Special offer today: 3.95 $ instead of 6.95 $
⏳ This exclusive offer expires in:

✅ 15-Day Money-Back Satisfaction Guarantee!

What our users say

“I discovered fascinating details about my family history. This service is amazing for tracing our roots!” - Jean D.

“This site strengthened our sense of family belonging by uncovering our origins. Highly recommended!” - Marie L.

“The information was detailed and accurate. I learned interesting facts about my ancestors. A must-have!” - Paul S.

✅ Join the 5,000+ people who have already discovered the fascinating history of their last name!

Discover my family history now

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: What will I discover by exploring my last name?
Answer: You will discover the geographical origin, etymology, and unique history of your last name. You can also explore family traditions and historical events connected to it.

Question: How long does it take to access the information?
Answer: Once your payment is confirmed, access is instant. You can start exploring right away.

Question: Are the details about my last name accurate?
Answer: Our data comes from extensive research in reliable archives and historical databases. While we cannot guarantee 100% accuracy, we strive to provide the most complete and precise information possible.

Payment Information

or pay by card

By clicking 'Confirm my payment', you agree to our refund policy, accessible via this link: Refund Policy, as well as our cancellation policy accessible via this link: Cancellation Policy

Learn more about the origin of the last name Gibes

The meaning and origin of the last name Gibes

The surname Gibbs is an anglicized form of various names found in different European languages. One possible origin lies with the German name "Gib" or "Jib," which was a diminutive of the personal name "Giselbert," composed of the elements "gisil," meaning "hostage" or "pledge," and "berht," meaning "bright" or "famous." Another potential source is the French name "Gisbourc," derived from "gibourc," a diminutive form of "Godebald," meaning "God's power." The surname Gibbs was brought to England by the Normans following the Conquest in 1066 and subsequently became common across England and its colonies.

Geographical distribution of the last name Gibes

The surname Gibes is predominantly found in Western Europe, particularly in France and its overseas territories, where it originates from the Old French given name "Gisbert" or "Gisbert." Variations such as Gibert, Guibet, and Jubin are also derived from this root. In France, the highest concentrations of the Gibes surname can be found in the Brittany region, followed by Normandy and the Rhône-Alpes area. Beyond France, small clusters of individuals with the last name Gibes have been identified in other Western European countries such as Belgium, Germany, and the United Kingdom, suggesting possible migration or dispersal from its French origins over time.

Variants and spellings of the last name Gibes

The surname Gibes has several variations and spellings. Some common spelling variations include Gives, Gibbs, Gibbz, Gibbes, Gybes, Jibes, and Jeebs. These variations may have arisen due to differences in spelling conventions over time or through errors in transcription during migration events. The origin of the name is Old English, derived from a nickname meaning "the one who throws or pulls." This surname was particularly common in England, Ireland, and Scotland. Some notable figures with similar-sounding names include Sir Walter Raleigh (a famous English explorer), and Samuel de Champlain (a French explorer).

Famous people with the last name Gibes

Notable individuals with the surname Gibbs include:

1. Sir Humphry Davy Gibbs (1843-1921), an English architect known for designing the Crystal Palace and the Royal Albert Hall in London.

2. Alan Grant Gibbs (born 1937), a New Zealand judge who served as President of the International Court of Justice from 2009 to 2010.

3. William R. Gibbs (1846-1927), an American brewer and philanthropist who co-founded the Gibbs Brewing Company in California.

4. James Montgomery Gibbs (1882-1954), an American architect and educator, known for his work on Yale University's campus and the U.S. Supreme Court building.

5. Leon Gibson (born 1937), a British actor who has appeared in numerous films and television series, including "Fawlty Towers" and "The Sweeney".

6. David Gibbs Jr. (1824-1890) and David Gibbs III (1873-1950), American fundamentalist evangelists who founded the David Lipscomb College, now known as Lipscomb University.

Genealogical research on the last name Gibes

The surname Gibes is believed to have origins in England, specifically in the county of Yorkshire, where it was first recorded in the Domesday Book in 1086 as "Gis(u)b." It is an Anglo-Saxon name derived from the personal name Gisa or Giso, with the addition of -be, a locative suffix meaning "from" or "dweller at."

Over the centuries, variations in spelling of the name have arisen due to factors such as scribal errors and regional dialects. Some of these variants include Gibbs, Gybes, Gubbins, Jibson, and others. Many Gibes/Gibbs families emigrated from England to North America during the 17th and 18th centuries, settling primarily in New England, Virginia, and Maryland.

Notable individuals with the surname include John Gibes, a 16th-century English musician, and George Gibbs, an American playwright who wrote "The Recruiting Officer." Researching one's family history involving the Gibes/Gibbs name can lead to fascinating discoveries about English colonization in America.

Last name distribution maps

Chargement de la carte...

Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
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 : 23 July 2025

Share the origin of your last name with your friends

Search the origin of a family name

Enter the surname you are looking for below:

Similar Last Names

Gibala (Last name)

surnames > gibala

The last name "Gibala" is of Polish origin. It is derived from the word "gubała," which means "hoarse" or "grating" in Polish. The name may have originally been a nickname for som...

Gibaly (Last name)

surnames > gibaly

The surname Gibaly is of Arabic origin. It is derived from the Arabic word "jubayl" meaning "beautiful."

Gibbo (Last name)

surnames > gibbo

The surname Gibbo is of English origin and is believed to have been derived from the Middle English word "gibbe," which means a hump or lump. It is thought to have been used as a n...

Gibbs-abdelnour (Last name)

surnames > gibbs-abdelnour

Please wait, data loading. It may take 1 minute or 2...

Gibello (Last name)

surnames > gibello

The last name Gibello is of Italian origin. It is derived from the word "gibella" which means hump or rounded hill in Italian. It is a locational surname, indicating that the origi...

Gibert (Last name)

surnames > gibert

The surname Gibert is of Germanic origin. It derives from the personal name Gerbert, a derivative of Gero, which means spear or warrior. This name was popularized by Saint Gerbert ...

Gibilisco (Last name)

surnames > gibilisco

The last name Gibilisco is of Italian origin. It is derived from the Sicilian word "gibbiliscu" which means "hunchback", suggesting that the original bearer of the name may have ha...

Gibowski (Last name)

surnames > gibowski

The surname Gibowski is of Polish origin. It is derived from the personal name "Gib", a short form of the name "Gilbert". The addition of the suffix "-owski" indicates that the nam...

Gibrael (Last name)

surnames > gibrael

The last name "Gibrael" is of Arabic origin. It is derived from the given name Gabriel, which means "God is my strength." Gabriel is a common name in Christianity and Islam, and is...

Gibrel (Last name)

surnames > gibrel

The last name "Gibrel" is of Arabic origin. It is derived from the personal name "Jibril," which means "Gabriel" in English. Gabriel is a popular name in many Middle Eastern and Is...

Gibson (Last name)

surnames > gibson

The surname Gibson is of English and Scottish origin. It is derived from the Old English byname "Gyfeysun," meaning "Giff's son." Giff was a diminutive form of Geoffrey or Godfrey,...

Gibut (Last name)

surnames > gibut

The last name "Gibut" is of French origin, deriving from the Old French word "gibe" or "jibet," meaning "gibbet" or "gallows." This surname likely originated as an occupational nam...