Show ContentsSibbil History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The name Sibbil is derived from the Old English personal names Saebeald or Sigebeald, which meant "victorius" and "brave." Following the invasion of the Normans in 1066, a similar name arrived from Europe. "An ancient baptismal name, in the Domesday [Book] of Northamptonshire a Sibaldus occurs as a tenant in chief. As a surname it is found in Scotland in the 12th century". 1

Early Origins of the Sibbil family

The surname Sibbil was first found in Balgonie, Fife, where they held a family seat from ancient times. One of the earliest on record was Walter filius (son of) Sibaldi, who witnessed several charters in the early 13th century. A David Sibald witnessed two charters by Duncan, Earl of Carrick in around 1250. Some historians suggest that there were Sibbalds settled in Northampton, prior to the Norman invasion, and that they moved from there to Scotland.

Early History of the Sibbil family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Sibbil research. Another 240 words (17 lines of text) covering the years 1286, 1296, 1386, 1390, 1571, 1575, 1581, 1590, 1602, 1634, 1639, 1641, 1650, 1680, 1722, 1796 and 1806 are included under the topic Early Sibbil History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Sibbil Spelling Variations

Sibbil 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 Sibbil have been found, including Sibbald, Sibbold, Sibballs, Sibbell, Sibal, Sibbet and many more.

Early Notables of the Sibbil family

Notable amongst the Clan at this time was Gilbert Sibbet, burgess of Aberdeen from 1575. James Sibbald (1590?-1650?), was a Scottish royalist divine, of an ancient family in the Mearns. William Sibbald (died 1650), was a Scottish Royalist, but may be identical with William Sibbald who entered King's College, Aberdeen, in 1634, and graduated M.A. in 1639. 2 Sir Robert Sibbald (1641-1722), was a Scottish physician and antiquary. He was the fifth child and third son of David Sibbald, third brother of Sir David Sibbald...
Another 82 words (6 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Sibbil Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Sibbil 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 Sibbils to arrive on North American shores: Robert Sibballs a bonded passenger, who came to Virginia in 1736; John Sibbell, who came to Boston, Massachusetts in 1768; David Sibbald, who arrived in Jamaica in 1772.



The Sibbil 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: Justitia
Motto Translation: Justice.


  1. Lower, Mark Anthony, Patronymica Britannica, A Dictionary of Family Names of the United Kingdom. London: John Russel Smith, 1860. Print.
  2. Smith, George (ed), Dictionary of National Biography. London: Smith, Elder & Co., 1885-1900. Print


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