Show ContentsGilbard History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Etymology of Gilbard

What does the name Gilbard mean?

The name Gilbard has a rich and ancient history. It is an Anglo-Saxon name that was originally derived from the baptismal name as in "son of Gilbert, popularly Gibbert, Gibberd, or Gibbard." 1

Early Origins of the Gilbard family

The surname Gilbard was first found in Lincolnshire, where Robert filius Giberti was recorded. Later in Winton, Hampshire, Gislebert Gibart was recorded c. 1110 and in Lincolnshire, Richard Gybard was listed in the Assize Rolls for 1298. Over in Leicestershire, Alice Giberd was recorded in the Subsidy Rolls for 1327. 2

The Hundredorum Rolls of 1273 included entries for Henry Gilbard, Norfolk; John Gilbard, Norfolk; and John Gilberd, Cambridgeshire. The Placita de Quo Warranto, temp. Edward I-III included an entry for William Gilberd, Gloucestershire, 20 Edward I (during the 20th year of the reign of King Edward I.) 1

Early History of the Gilbard family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Gilbard research. Another 134 words (10 lines of text) covering the years 1239, 1273, 1307, 1533, 1603, 1730 and 1778 are included under the topic Early Gilbard History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Gilbard Spelling Variations

Before English spelling was standardized a few hundred years ago, spelling variations of names were a common occurrence. Elements of Latin, French and other languages became incorporated into English through the Middle Ages, and name spellings changed even among the literate. The variations of the surname Gilbard include Gibbard, Gibbert, Gibert, Gybbard, Gybbert and many more.

Early Notables of the Gilbard family

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

Migration of the Gilbard family

A great wave of immigration to the New World was the result of the enormous political and religious disarray that struck England at that time. Families left for the New World in extremely large numbers. The long journey was the end of many immigrants and many more arrived sick and starving. Still, those who made it were rewarded with an opportunity far greater than they had known at home in England. These emigrant families went on to make significant contributions to these emerging colonies in which they settled. Some of the first North American settlers carried this name or one of its variants: Thomas and Henry Gibbard landed in Virginia in 1774; William Gibbard settled in New Haven, Conn. in 1640; Ann, Edward and Jane Gibberd landed in New York in 1830.



The Gilbard 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: Facta non verba
Motto Translation: Deeds not words


  1. Bardsley, C.W, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames: With Special American Instances. Wiltshire: Heraldry Today, 1901. Print. (ISBN 0-900455-44-6)
  2. Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)


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