Cobbard History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England

The rich and ancient history of the Cobbard family name dates back to the time of the Anglo-Saxon tribes of Britain. It comes from the personal name Jacob. The surname Cobbard is derived from Cob, which is a pet form of the name Jacob, and is supplemented by the common diminutive suffix -et. Some experts state that the surname Cobbard is a nickname derived from the Old English word cubit, which means elbow. One expert is dumbfounded: "I cannot explain the somewhat common and well-known surname, unless it be a diminutive or corruption of a personal name. " 1

Early Origins of the Cobbard family

The surname Cobbard was first found in Norfolk, where Geoffrey Cobet and Roger Cobet were both listed in the Hundredorum Rolls of 1273. 2

Early History of the Cobbard family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Cobbard research. Another 77 words (6 lines of text) covering the years 1400 and 1566 are included under the topic Early Cobbard History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Cobbard Spelling Variations

Spelling variations in names were a common occurrence before English spelling was standardized a few hundred years ago. In the Middle Ages, even the literate spelled their names differently as the English language incorporated elements of French, Latin, and other European languages. Many variations of the name Cobbard have been found, including Cubitt, Cowbitt, Cobbett, Cubyt, Cubbert, Cubit and many more.

Early Notables of the Cobbard family

More information is included under the topic Early Cobbard Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Cobbard family

Families began migrating abroad in enormous numbers because of the political and religious discontent in England. Often faced with persecution and starvation in England, the possibilities of the New World attracted many English people. Although the ocean trips took many lives, those who did get to North America were instrumental in building the necessary groundwork for what would become for new powerful nations. Among the first immigrants of the name Cobbard, or a variant listed above to cross the Atlantic and come to North America were : Isaac Cubbert who settled in New York State in 1811; William Cubit settled in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1866.

Citations +

Lower, Mark Anthony, Patronymica Britannica, A Dictionary of Family Names of the United Kingdom. London: John Russel Smith, 1860. Print.
Bardsley, C.W, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames: With Special American Instances. Wiltshire: Heraldry Today, 1901. Print. (ISBN 0-900455-44-6)