Garbit History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England

Etymology of Garbit

What does the name Garbit mean?

Garbit is a name that first reached England following the Norman Conquest of 1066. It comes from the name Geribodo, a Germanic personal name composed of the elements geri, or gari, which means spear and bodo, which means messenger. Geribodo was the name of the 7th century saint who was Bishop of Bayeux. The name Garbit was also a derivative of the Germanic personal name Geribald, which was composed of the elements geri, which again means spear, and bald, which means bold or brave. This name was borne by a 9th century saint who was the Bishop of Chalons-sur-Seine.

Early Origins of the Garbit family

The surname Garbit was first found in Cheshire where they held a family seat as Lords of the Manor. Gherbode, was created Earl of Chester by Duke William of Normandy, after he had a conflict with the previous Earl, Earl Hugh, who was transferred to Carlisle Castle. Gherbode, also known as Gerbode the Fleming, was William's step-son. This Earl Gherbode or Gerbodo also held lands in Yorkshire.

Early History of the Garbit family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Garbit research. Another 68 words (5 lines of text) covering the years 1486 and 1790 are included under the topic Early Garbit History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Garbit Spelling Variations

Before English spelling was standardized a few hundred years ago, spelling variations of names were a common occurrence. Elements of Latin, Norman French and other languages became incorporated into English throughout the Middle Ages, and name spellings changed even among the literate. The variations of the surname Garbit include Garbutt, Garbut, Garbit, Garbitt, Garbet, Garbot, Garbott, Garbett, Garbed, Gabit, Gabut, Gabutt, Gerbot and many more.

Early Notables of the Garbit family

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

Migration of the Garbit family

In England at this time, the uncertainty of the political and religious environment of the time caused many families to board ships for distant British colonies in the hopes of finding land and opportunity, and escaping persecution. The voyages were expensive, crowded, and difficult, though, and many arrived in North America sick, starved, and destitute. Those who did make it, however, were greeted with greater opportunities and freedoms that they could have experienced at home. Many of those families went on to make important contributions to the young nations in which they settled. Early immigration records have shown some of the first Garbits to arrive on North American shores: William Garbett, who sailed to Barbados in 1658; Thomas Garburt to Virginia in 1659; Peter Garbutt to West New Jersey in 1664; Richard Garbutt to Nova Scotia in 1774 with his wife and six children, and Robert James Garbutt to Texas in 1896..