Cowbitt History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England

Cowbitt is an ancient Anglo-Saxon name that is derived from the personal name Jacob. The surname Cowbitt 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 Cowbitt 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 Cowbitt family

The surname Cowbitt 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 Cowbitt family

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

Cowbitt Spelling Variations

Cowbitt has been spelled many different ways. Before English spelling became standardized over the last few hundred years, spelling variations in names were a common occurrence. As the English language changed in the Middle Ages, absorbing pieces of Latin and French, as well as other languages, the spelling of people's names also changed considerably, even over a single lifetime. Many variations of the name Cowbitt have been found, including Cubitt, Cowbitt, Cobbett, Cubyt, Cubbert, Cubit and many more.

Early Notables of the Cowbitt family

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

Migration of the Cowbitt family

In an attempt to escape the chaos experienced in England, many English families boarded overcrowded and diseased ships sailing for the shores of North America and other British colonies. Those families hardy enough, and lucky enough, to make the passage intact were rewarded with land and a social environment less prone to religious and political persecution. Many of these families became important contributors to the young colonies in which they settled. Early immigration and passenger lists have documented some of the first Cowbitts to arrive on North American shores: 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)