Show ContentsNiblett History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The Niblett surname is thought to derive from the Middle English word "nibbe," which was a form of "neb," which meant "nose."

Early Origins of the Niblett family

The surname Niblett was first found in Gloucestershire where they held a family seat from early times and their first records appeared on the early census rolls taken by the early Kings of Britain to determine the rate of taxation of their subjects.

Early History of the Niblett family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Niblett research. Another 136 words (10 lines of text) covering the years 1584, 1602, 1664, 1764, 1798, 1808, 1862 and 1890 are included under the topic Early Niblett History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Niblett 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 Niblett 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. Scribes and monks in the Middle Ages spelled names they sounded, so it is common to find several variations that refer to a single person. The variations of the name Niblett include: Niblet, Niblick, Niblock,Niblett, Neblit, Neblitt, Niblit and many more.

Early Notables of the Niblett family

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

Niblett Ranking

In the United States, the name Niblett is the 16,801st most popular surname with an estimated 2,487 people with that name. 1

Ireland Migration of the Niblett family to Ireland

Some of the Niblett family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 85 words (6 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.


United States Niblett 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 Niblett or a variant listed above:

Niblett Settlers in United States in the 17th Century
  • John Niblett, a servant sent to Virginia in 1656
  • William Niblett, a servant sent to Virginia in 1659
  • Richard Niblett, a servant sent to Virginia in 1661
  • James Niblett, a bonded passenger, who settled in America in 1699

Australia Niblett migration to Australia +

Emigration to Australia followed the First Fleets of convicts, tradespeople and early settlers. Early immigrants include:

Niblett Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century
  • Mr. Charles Niblett, (b. 1798), aged 37, English soldier who was convicted in Wiltshire, England for life for theft, transported aboard the "England" on 6th June 1835, arriving in New South Wales, Australia, he died in 1848 2
  • John Niblett, who arrived in Adelaide, Australia aboard the ship "Eden" in 1838 3
  • Patience Niblett, who arrived in Adelaide, Australia aboard the ship "Eden" in 1838 3
  • Mr. Thomas Niblett, English convict who was convicted in Bristol, England for 7 years, transported aboard the "Egyptian" on 5th April 1839, arriving in Tasmania (Van Diemen's Land) 4
  • Charles Niblett, aged 20, a farm labourer, who arrived in South Australia in 1857 aboard the ship "Carnatic"

Contemporary Notables of the name Niblett (post 1700) +

  • Stephen Niblett D.D., English academic administrator at the University of Oxford (1726-1766), Vice-Chancellor of Oxford University (1735-1738)
  • Victor "Vic" Niblett (1924-2004), English professional footballer
  • Emma Louise "Scout" Niblett (b. 1973), English singer and songwriter
  • Jason Niblett (b. 1983), Australian professional racing cyclist, bronze medalist at the 2011 World Championships

HMS Royal Oak
  • Charles Henry Niblett (1918-1939), British Marine with the Royal Marine aboard the HMS Royal Oak (1939) when she was torpedoed by U-47 and sunk; he died in the sinking 5


  1. "What are the 5,000 Most Common Last Names in the U.S.?". NameCensus.com, https://namecensus.com/last-names/
  2. Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 28th April 2022). https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/england
  3. State Records of South Australia. (Retrieved 2010, November 5) EDEN 1838. Retrieved from http://www.slsa.sa.gov.au/BSA/1838Eden.htm
  4. Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 26th January 2022). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/egyptian
  5. Ships hit by U-boats crew list HMS Royal Oak (08) - (Retrieved 2018 February, 9th) - retrieved from https://uboat.net/allies/merchants/crews/ship68.html


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