Last Name Guibes

The surname Guibes has roots traced back to France. It is derived from a place name, which was originally "Guibe" or "Guibé," found in various regions of France, such as Brittany and Normandy. Surnames derived from place names were common during the Middle Ages as a way for people to identify their geographical origins. Over time, these place names evolved into hereditary surnames like Guibes.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Guibes

The meaning and origin of the last name Guibes

The surname Guibes is of French origin, stemming from various regions within France such as Brittany, Normandy, and Picardy. It is derived from a variety of place names that were originally occupational or nicknames for individuals who lived near a goat enclosure (from the Old French "gué" meaning 'goat' and "biez," which means 'enclosure'). Alternatively, it could also be a metonymic occupational name for someone who worked with goats, such as a herdsman or cheese maker. Over time, this surname has been spelled in various ways including Guibe, Guibet, Guibas, and Guibes, reflecting the regional variations in pronunciation and spelling of the original French names from which it originated.

Geographical distribution of the last name Guibes

The surname Guibes is primarily concentrated in France, particularly in the Brittany region, where it originated. Historically, it was associated with the towns of Lorient and Quimper, though it has since spread throughout the country. Outside of France, small populations of individuals with the last name Guibes can be found in various countries with significant French ancestry, such as Canada, the United States, and Belgium. In Canada, concentrations are primarily in Quebec and New Brunswick. In the United States, Florida and Louisiana have significant populations with the surname due to French colonization and migration patterns. The presence of Guibes in other parts of the world may be attributed to migration from these countries or to descendants of French settlers who moved elsewhere in more recent times.

Variants and spellings of the last name Guibes

The surname Guibes has several variations and spellings, reflecting its evolution over time and geographical distribution. Some common variations include Gibbs, Guibb, Ghib, Guebes, Guiot, Guibe, Guibee, Guivet, and Guibeaud. These variations may have arisen due to differences in spelling and pronunciation across regions or transcription errors during historical records. The name is believed to be of French origin, potentially derived from a place name or a personal name of Norman origins such as "Gisbod" or "Wibald." Regardless of the specific variation, the surname Guibes and its many forms are shared by individuals across the globe.

Famous people with the last name Guibes

The Guibes family has produced notable figures across various fields. One of the most prominent is Jean-François Guibé (born 1934), a French surgeon known for his contributions to orthopedic surgery, particularly in the field of pediatric hip disorders and skeletal dysplasias. Another notable figure is David J. Guibord (1928–2005), an American mathematician and statistician who made significant contributions to statistics, probability theory, and operations research. In the realm of art, James S. Guibord (1922–1996) was a renowned American painter and sculptor known for his abstract expressionist works. Lastly, in sports, Bob Gouin (born Robert Guibault-Gouin), a Canadian ice hockey player who played for the Montreal Canadiens in the 1950s and won four Stanley Cups with the team. These individuals demonstrate the diverse talents and achievements of those bearing the surname Guibes.

Genealogical research on the last name Guibes

The surname Guibes originates from France and is believed to have roots in Normandy and Brittany regions. Early records indicate that the name was first mentioned during the late Middle Ages, with one of the earliest known mentions being Nicolas Guibe, who was recorded as a knight in the 14th century. The name Guibes is a variant of the original spelling Guibe, which means 'a man from Gisors' or 'a dweller near a goat enclosure.' The family migrated to the British Isles during the Norman Conquest and later spread to other European countries as well as North America. In the New World, the Guibes family settled primarily in Quebec, Canada, and Louisiana, USA, due to French colonization efforts in these areas. Notable figures bearing the surname include Jean Guibas, a Canadian businessman who founded Alimentation Couche-Tard, one of the largest convenience store chains in the world.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "guibes"
• 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 : 31 July 2025

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