Gibb History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms 

Origins Available: 
  England 
  Scotland 
  Ireland 


The saga of the Gibb family name begins among the people of an ancient Scottish tribe called the Picts. The Gibb name is derived from Gibb, which is a pet form of the personal name Gilbert. 1 2 3

This name is derived from the Old English forenames Gislberht and Gislbeorht, which mean bright hostage. 4

Early Origins of the Gibb family

The surname Gibb was first found in Inverness-shire (Gaelic: Siorrachd Inbhir Nis) divided between the present day Scottish Council Areas of Highland and Western Isles.

Entries for the family are quite late by typical standards. Records in the 16th century include: "Dauid Gyb was member of assize at Cupar in 1521, Elizabeth Gib is recorded in Craigmakerane in 1585, and Robert Gib was burgess of Linlithgow in 1622." 2

Early History of the Gibb family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Gibb research. Another 129 words (9 lines of text) covering the years 1521, 1585, 1603, 1604, 1611, 1622, 1651, 1654, 1656, 1677, 1681, 1682, 1689, 1724, 1754 and 1890 are included under the topic Early Gibb History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Gibb Spelling Variations

Repeated and inaccurate translation of Scottish names from Gaelic to English and back resulted in a wide variety of spelling variations with single names. Gibb has appeared Gibb, Gibbe, Gibbs, Gibbes and others.

Early Notables of the Gibb family

Notable amongst the Clan at this time was

Gibb Ranking

In the United States, the name Gibb is the 9,696th most popular surname with an estimated 2,487 people with that name. 5 However, in New Zealand, the name Gibb is ranked the 613rd most popular surname with an estimated 1,169 people with that name. 6

Migration of the Gibb family to Ireland

Some of the Gibb family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 50 words (4 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.


Gibb migration to the United States +

Many Scottish families suffered enormous hardships and were compelled to leave their country of birth. They traveled to Ireland and Australia, but mostly to the colonies of North America, where many found the freedom and opportunity they sought. It was not without a fight, though, as many were forced to stand up and defend their freedom in the American War of Independence. The ancestors of these Scots abroad have rediscovered their heritage in the last century through the Clan societies and other organizations that have sprung up across North America. Immigration and passenger ship lists show some important early immigrants bearing the name Gibb:

Gibb Settlers in United States in the 17th Century
Gibb Settlers in United States in the 18th Century
Gibb Settlers in United States in the 19th Century

Gibb migration to Canada +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

Gibb Settlers in Canada in the 18th Century
Gibb Settlers in Canada in the 19th Century

Gibb migration to Australia +

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

Gibb Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century

Gibb migration to New Zealand +

Emigration to New Zealand followed in the footsteps of the European explorers, such as Captain Cook (1769-70): first came sealers, whalers, missionaries, and traders. By 1838, the British New Zealand Company had begun buying land from the Maori tribes, and selling it to settlers, and, after the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840, many British families set out on the arduous six month journey from Britain to Aotearoa to start a new life. Early immigrants include:

Gibb Settlers in New Zealand in the 19th Century

Contemporary Notables of the name Gibb (post 1700) +


The Gibb 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: Tenax propositi
Motto Translation: Firm of purpose.
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