Show ContentsIbes History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The Ibes surname finds its earliest origins with the ancient Anglo-Saxon culture of Britain. Their name is derived from the baptismal name 'Isabel' as in 'the son of Isabel.' 1

Early Origins of the Ibes family

The surname Ibes was first found in Yorkshire, where they were an important north country family with a rich and unique history. By example, "Denton Park, the property of Sir Charles Ibbetson, Bart., lord of the manor, is a handsome mansion, built in 1760, and situated in a well-wooded park, overlooking the river Wharfe." 2

The Yorkshire Poll Tax Rolls of 1379 included listings as a forename and surname in a wide variety of spellings: Johannes Ibotteson; Ibot Baker; Ibota Waferer; Robertus Ibbotson; and Matilda Ibot, doghter (daughter). 1

John Ibotessone was found in Nottinghamshire in 1392. 3

As one might suspect, the "son" was added at some point as the root of the name was indeed recorded earlier. Ybot and Ibbota were found in Yorkshire in 1286 and 1314, and in 1415 Roger Ybott was registered in London. 3

Early History of the Ibes family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Ibes research. Another 183 words (13 lines of text) covering the years 1379, 1392, 1397, 1399, 1596, 1680, 1695, 1699, 1700, 1703, 1706, 1759, 1800 and 1825 are included under the topic Early Ibes History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Ibes Spelling Variations

It is only in the last few hundred years that the English language has been standardized. For that reason, early Anglo-Saxon surnames like Ibes are characterized by many spelling variations. As the English language changed and incorporated elements of other European languages, even literate people changed the spelling of their names. The variations of the name Ibes include: Ibbetson, Ibbotson, Ibbitson, Ibetson, Ibotson, Ibitson, Ibbet, Ibbot, Ibbit, Ibiot, Ibboteson, Ibotessone, Ibbison and many more.

Early Notables of the Ibes family

Distinguished members of the family include Benjamin Ibbot (1680-125), English divine, son of Thomas Ibbot, vicar of Swaffham and rector of Beachamwell, Norfolk, was born at Beachamwell in 1680. He was admitted at Clare Hall, Cambridge, 25 July 1695. Having graduated B.A. in 1699, he migrated to Corpus Christi College in 1700...
Another 51 words (4 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Ibes Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.


United States Ibes migration to the United States +

Many English families tired of political and religious strife left Britain for the new colonies in North America. Although the trip itself offered no relief - conditions on the ships were extremely cramped, and many travelers arrived diseased, starving, and destitute - these immigrants believed the opportunities that awaited them were worth the risks. Once in the colonies, many of the families did indeed prosper and, in turn, made significant contributions to the culture and economies of the growing colonies. An inquiry into the early roots of North American families has revealed a number of immigrants bearing the name Ibes or a variant listed above:

Ibes Settlers in United States in the 20th Century
  • Wilhelmus Ibes, who settled in America, in 1920
  • William Ibes, aged 28, who immigrated to the United States, in 1921


The Ibes Motto +

The motto was originally a war cry or slogan. Mottoes first began to be shown with arms in the 14th and 15th centuries, but were not in general use until the 17th century. Thus the oldest coats of arms generally do not include a motto. Mottoes seldom form part of the grant of arms: Under most heraldic authorities, a motto is an optional component of the coat of arms, and can be added to or changed at will; many families have chosen not to display a motto.

Motto: Vixi liber et moriar
Motto Translation: I have lived a freeman and will die one.


  1. Bardsley, C.W, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames: With Special American Instances. Wiltshire: Heraldry Today, 1901. Print. (ISBN 0-900455-44-6)
  2. Lewis, Samuel, A Topographical Dictionary of England. Institute of Historical Research, 1848, Print.
  3. Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)


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