What is the origin of the last name Hibbert?

The surname Hibbert is of English origin and is derived from a place name. Specifically, it comes from "Hibberton," which is a variant of the town of "Ibury" located in Northamptonshire, England. The place name "Ibury" means "yew tree settlement" or "settlement at the yew trees." Over time, the spelling evolved into Hibbert due to scribal errors and regional dialects.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Hibbert

The meaning and origin of the last name Hibbert

The surname Hibbert is of English origin, derived from a place name in North Yorkshire, England. Specifically, it comes from the village of Hebbert in Swaledale, which was recorded as "Heburte" in the Domesday Book of 1086. The name is thought to be derived from the Old Norse personal name "Heibrandr," composed of the elements "hei-" (meaning "home") and "-brandr" (meaning "sword"). Over time, the name evolved into its modern form through various spelling variations, including Hebert, Hebbert, Hibberd, and Hibbert. The surname Hibbert has been common in England since medieval times and is now found worldwide among diaspora populations.

Geographical distribution of the last name Hibbert

The surname Hibbert has a predominant distribution across England and Scotland, with significant concentrations in both countries. In England, the highest frequencies are found in areas such as Yorkshire, Lancashire, Cumbria, and Greater Manchester, indicating a historical roots in the North of England. In Scotland, the surname is particularly common in the Lothian region, which includes Edinburgh and its surrounding counties, suggesting a potential Scottish origin. Additionally, the name has been found in Ireland, specifically County Down in Northern Ireland, due to historical links between Ireland and Scotland. Beyond these regions, Hibbert is also present in smaller numbers in various parts of the world, particularly among populations with English or Scottish ancestry, such as Canada, the United States, Australia, and New Zealand.

Variants and spellings of the last name Hibbert

The surname Hibbert has several variants and spelling variations due to historical transcriptions and regional dialects. Some common variations include: Hibbard, Hibberd, Hibert, Hibbitt, Heberte, and Hybart. These variations may originate from the same root name but have evolved over time due to factors such as phonetic changes, spelling errors, or regional dialects. The name is of Old English origin and is derived from the place names Haberthwaite in Cumbria and Hatherop in Gloucestershire. It means "high farmstead" or "habitat of hares."

Famous people with the last name Hibbert

Notable individuals with the surname Hibbert include:

1. Bill Hibbert (born 1953), a Jamaican reggae singer and guitarist who was a prominent figure in the roots reggae movement.

2. Ben Hibbert (born 1984), an English professional footballer who played as a midfielder for various teams, including Manchester City and Nottingham Forest.

3. William Hibbert (1730–1794), an American merchant, shipowner, and patriot who served in the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War.

4. Maurice Hibbert (1948-2016), a Jamaican reggae singer and musician best known for his work with The Wailers and Bob Marley.

5. Dame Celia Sara Frances Hibbert, Baroness Hibbert (born 1943), a British politician who served as the Member of Parliament for Barking from 1979 to 2005.

6. John Hibbert (1780-1849), an English physician and botanist who was one of the founders of the London Linnean Society.

Genealogical research on the last name Hibbert

The Hibbert surname is of Old Norse origin, derived from the given name 'Hjorthberht', which means "bear-bright" or "bright bear". It's believed that Norman invaders, who were primarily of Scandinavian descent, introduced this name to England in the 11th century. The surname Hibbert has several variations such as Heberd, Hyberd, and Hubbert.

Throughout history, notable individuals with the surname Hibbert have made significant contributions. John Hibbert (1736-1815), a Scottish physician, was among the founders of the Asiatic Society of Bengal in India. Sir William Hibbert (1824-1906) was a British naval officer who served during the Crimean War and the Abyssinian War. In modern times, English author Angela Hibbs is renowned for her works on children's literature.

The Hibbert clan's historical seat is at Langley Castle in Hexham, Northumberland, England. The castle has been restored and now operates as a luxury hotel, allowing the Hibbert legacy to persist in a tangible way.

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NomOrigine Team
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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.

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