Show ContentsGolbirn History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Early Origins of the Golbirn family

The surname Golbirn was first found in Cheshire where it was listed as Golborne, part of the Duddeston hundred. Hence, conjecturally, the surname is descended from the tenant of the lands of Golborne held by Osbern FitzTezzo a Norman noble from William Malbank, Baron of Nantwich who was recorded in the Domesday Book census of 1086. 1 Baron William was from Brecy, near Caen in Normandy and was granted the lands by Duke William after Hastings. Golborne held an important winter Mill and was a large village in 1066. William Malbank, originally 'le Seigneur William de Brecy', may have adopted his new name Mal or Milbank from this Mill. Golborne is also a town in Greater Manchester, historically part of Lancashire and dates back to 1187, when it was spelt Goldeburn. The place name literally meant "stream where marsh marigolds grow", derived from the Old English golde + burna. 2

Early History of the Golbirn family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Golbirn research. Another 110 words (8 lines of text) covering the years 1230 and 1332 are included under the topic Early Golbirn History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Golbirn Spelling Variations

The first dictionaries that appeared in the last few hundred years did much to standardize the English language. Before that time, spelling variations in names were a common occurrence. The language was changing, incorporating pieces of other languages, and the spelling of names changed with it. Golbirn has been spelled many different ways, including Golborn, Goldbourne, Goldborn, Goulbourn, Goulborn, Golborne, Goldborne, Goldburn, Goldburne, Golburn, Golburne, Golbourne and many more.

Early Notables of the Golbirn family

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

Migration of the Golbirn family

Thousands of English families in this era began to emigrate the New World in search of land and freedom from religious and political persecution. Although the passage was expensive and the ships were dark, crowded, and unsafe, those who made the voyage safely were rewarded with opportunities unavailable to them in their homeland. Research into passenger and immigration lists has revealed some of the very first Golbirns to arrive in North America: Edward Golbourn, who arrived in Virginia in 1654; and Richard Golbourne, who settled in Virginia in 1658.



  1. Williams, Dr Ann. And G.H. Martin, Eds., Domesday Book A Complete Translation. London: Penguin, 1992. Print. (ISBN 0-141-00523-8)
  2. Mills, A.D., Dictionary of English Place-Names. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-19-869156-4)


Houseofnames.com on Facebook