Last Name Kilbert

The surname Kilbert (or Kilby, Kilbey) is of Anglo-Saxon and Old French origin. It is a locational surname derived from places named Kilby or Killbeach in Gloucestershire, England, which are believed to have taken their names from the Old English "cycel" meaning "churchyard" or "celebrated church," and "beah" meaning "bee," indicating a place with bees or a bee-keeping area. Over time, as people moved away from their original settlements in search of work or new opportunities, they often took their topographical name with them, thus creating the pattern of surname distribution we see today.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Kilbert

The meaning and origin of the last name Kilbert

The surname Kilgore is of Anglo-Saxon origin, derived from the Old English word "cyclor" or "cylgore," which means "swamp dweller" or "marsh-dwelling spearman." This name would have been given to someone who lived near a swamp or marsh and was proficient in using a spear. Over time, the spelling of the name has evolved from Cyllgor to Kilgore due to various phonetic and orthographic changes that occurred during the Middle Ages. The name is most common in England and Scotland, but it can also be found among the Scottish Highland clans and in North America. Famous Kilgores include American actor Martin Sheen (born Ramón Antonio Gerardo Estévez) and former American football player Brian Kilgore.

Geographical distribution of the last name Kilbert

The last name Kilgore is predominantly distributed in North America, particularly in the United States, where it is most common in states such as Texas, Louisiana, and Florida. Smaller concentrations can also be found in other regions of the U.S., including California, Alabama, Georgia, and Mississippi. The name's origin is believed to be of Old French or Norman descent, with early Kilgore ancestors coming from France or the British Isles. Outside North America, Kilgore surnames are relatively scarce, but small populations can be found in Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom. This distribution pattern suggests a historical migration route from Europe to North America, particularly along colonization routes established by French and British explorers.

Variants and spellings of the last name Kilbert

The surname Kilbert is spelled variably in different regions and contexts. Some common variations include Kilburt, Killbard, Kylberte, Kilberth, Kilbart, Kilburd, and Kilbyrd. It is also found as Kilbyt, Kilbeart, Kilbeert, and Killbort. These variations may be the result of regional dialects, transcription errors over time, or individual preferences. The etymology of Kilbert is unclear, but it could potentially originate from various Germanic roots such as "kalf" (calf) or "kil(l)" (church bell), reflecting its possible origins in Germany or France. Despite the variations, all these surnames share a common root and can be considered derivatives of Kilbert.

Famous people with the last name Kilbert

Albert Sidney Gilman Kilgore (1893-1972), an American psychiatrist and psychoanalyst, was a key figure in the field of mental health. He is best known for his work on schizophrenia, developing the concept of the "schizophrenic mother." Kilgore served as President of the American Psychiatric Association in 1952.

Another notable individual with the surname Kilgore is Hoyt Vandenberg (1891-1963), an officer of the United States Air Force who rose to become the first Chief of Staff of the U.S. Air Force, serving from 1947 to 1950. During World War II, Vandenberg was instrumental in establishing the Army Air Forces' Strategic Air Command and played a significant role in planning strategic bombing campaigns against Germany and Japan.

Lastly, John Kilgore (1813-1882), an American politician, served as a member of the Confederate States Senate during the American Civil War. He later returned to his political career in the Reconstruction Era, serving as a U.S. Senator from Missouri from 1875 to 1881.

Genealogical research on the last name Kilbert

The Kilbert surname is of French origin, derived from the Old French "chilbert" or "kilbert," which means "little servant." It was brought to England by Norman conquerors following the Battle of Hastings in 1066 and eventually spread across Europe and the British Isles. One notable Kilbert family, the Kilberts of Caldicote in Oxfordshire, England, can be traced back to the late 13th century. The lineage includes Sir John Kilbyrt, a knight who fought in the Hundred Years War between England and France. In North America, the Kilbert name was most notably found among early settlers of Virginia, with one branch of the family becoming prominent landowners in what is now West Virginia. Genealogical records suggest that various branches of the Kilbert family also migrated to other parts of America, including Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Kentucky, during the 18th and 19th centuries. Today, the Kilbert surname remains prevalent in France, England, North America, and other countries with a strong European heritage.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

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

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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.
Last updated : 11 June 2025

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