Show ContentsSibell Surname History

The name Sibell is derived from the Old English personal names Saebeald or Sigebeald, which meant "victorius" and "brave." Following the invasion of the Normans in 1066, a similar name arrived from Europe. "An ancient baptismal name, in the Domesday [Book] of Northamptonshire a Sibaldus occurs as a tenant in chief. As a surname it is found in Scotland in the 12th century". 1

Early Origins of the Sibell family

The surname Sibell was first found in Balgonie, Fife, where they held a family seat from ancient times. One of the earliest on record was Walter filius (son of) Sibaldi, who witnessed several charters in the early 13th century. A David Sibald witnessed two charters by Duncan, Earl of Carrick in around 1250. Some historians suggest that there were Sibbalds settled in Northampton, prior to the Norman invasion, and that they moved from there to Scotland.

Early History of the Sibell family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Sibell research. Another 240 words (17 lines of text) covering the years 1286, 1296, 1386, 1390, 1571, 1575, 1581, 1590, 1602, 1634, 1639, 1641, 1650, 1680, 1722, 1796 and 1806 are included under the topic Early Sibell History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Sibell Spelling Variations

Before the last few hundred years, the English language had no fast system of spelling rules. For that reason, spelling variations are commonly found in early Anglo-Saxon surnames. Over the years, many variations of the name Sibell were recorded, including Sibbald, Sibbold, Sibballs, Sibbell, Sibal, Sibbet and many more.

Early Notables of the Sibell family

Notable amongst the Clan at this time was Gilbert Sibbet, burgess of Aberdeen from 1575. James Sibbald (1590?-1650?), was a Scottish royalist divine, of an ancient family in the Mearns. William Sibbald (died 1650), was a Scottish Royalist, but may be identical with William Sibbald who entered King's College, Aberdeen, in 1634, and graduated M.A. in 1639. 2 Sir Robert Sibbald (1641-1722), was a Scottish physician and antiquary. He was the fifth child and third son of David Sibbald, third brother of Sir David Sibbald...
Another 82 words (6 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Sibell Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Sibell family

To escape oppression and starvation at that time, many English families left for the "open frontiers" of the New World with all its perceived opportunities. In droves people migrated to the many British colonies, those in North America in particular, paying high rates for passages in cramped, unsafe ships. Although many of the settlers did not make the long passage alive, those who did see the shores of North America perceived great opportunities before them. Many of the families that came from England went on to make essential contributions to the emerging nations of Canada and the United States. Research into various historical records revealed some of first members of the Sibell family emigrate to North America: Robert Sibballs a bonded passenger, who came to Virginia in 1736; John Sibbell, who came to Boston, Massachusetts in 1768; David Sibbald, who arrived in Jamaica in 1772.


Contemporary Notables of the name Sibell (post 1700) +

  • Muriel Sibell Wolle (1898-1977), American artist


  1. Lower, Mark Anthony, Patronymica Britannica, A Dictionary of Family Names of the United Kingdom. London: John Russel Smith, 1860. Print.
  2. Smith, George (ed), Dictionary of National Biography. London: Smith, Elder & Co., 1885-1900. Print


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