Garbut History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England

Etymology of Garbut

What does the name Garbut mean?

The name Garbut arrived in England after the Norman Conquest of 1066. The name Garbut 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 Garbut 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 Garbut family

The surname Garbut 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 Garbut family

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

Garbut Spelling Variations

Multitudes of spelling variations are a hallmark of Anglo Norman names. Most of these names evolved in the 11th and 12th century, in the time after the Normans introduced their own Norman French language into a country where Old and Middle English had no spelling rules and the languages of the court were French and Latin. To make matters worse, medieval scribes spelled words according to sound, so names frequently appeared differently in the various documents in which they were recorded. The name was spelled Garbutt, Garbut, Garbit, Garbitt, Garbet, Garbot, Garbott, Garbett, Garbed, Gabit, Gabut, Gabutt, Gerbot and many more.

Early Notables of the Garbut family

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

Garbut migration to Canada +

Because of this political and religious unrest within English society, many people decided to immigrate to the colonies. Families left for Ireland, North America, and Australia in enormous numbers, traveling at high cost in extremely inhospitable conditions. The New World in particular was a desirable destination, but the long voyage caused many to arrive sick and starving. Those who made it, though, were welcomed by opportunities far greater than they had known at home in England. Many of these families went on to make important contributions to the emerging nations of Canada and the United States. Analysis of immigration records indicates that some of the first North American immigrants bore the name Garbut or a variant listed above:

Garbut Settlers in Canada in the 18th Century

Benjamin Garbut, who arrived in Nova Scotia in 1774
Charles Garbut, who landed in Nova Scotia in 1774
David Garbut, who arrived in Nova Scotia in 1774
Elie Garbut, who landed in Nova Scotia in 1774
Mary Garbut, who arrived in Nova Scotia in 1774
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)