Gisbourne History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England

Etymology of Gisbourne

What does the name Gisbourne mean?

The name Gisbourne hails from the parish of Gisburn, in the union of Clitheroe, W. division of the wapentake of Staincliffe and Ewcross in the West Riding of Yorkshire. 1

Early Origins and Etymology of Gisbourne

The surname Gisbourne was first found in the West Riding of Yorkshire, at Gisburn (Gisburne.) Now within the Ribble Valley borough of Lancashire, Gisburn is a village, civil parish and ward that dates back to the Domesday Book of 1086 where it was first listed as Ghiseburne. 2 By the 12th century, early records revealed the place name's spelling as Giselburn and probably meant "gushing stream" from the Old English words "gysel" + burna." 3 The Church of St Mary the Virgin is thought to have been built as early as 1135.

Conjecturally, the surname is descended from the tenant of the lands of Gisburn, Roger le Poitevin held from William de Percy the great Baron of the north who was recorded in the Domesday Book census of 1086. In 1219 Nigel de Gisburn succeeded. 2

Sir Guy of Gisbourne (also spelled Gisburne, Gisborne, Gysborne, or Gisborn) is a character from the Robin Hood legends of English folklore who attempts to kill Robin Hood but is killed by him. In later depictions, he has become a romantic rival to Robin Hood for Maid Marian's love. The ballad "Robin Hood and Guy of Gisborne" dates from 1650 but its origins are much older, some believe as far back as 1475.

Early History of the Gisbourne family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Gisbourne research. Another 100 words (7 lines of text) covering the years 1219, 1265 and 1274 are included under the topic Early Gisbourne History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Gisbourne Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: Giseburn, Gisborn, Giseborn, Gisbourn, Gisbourne, Gisburne, Gisbyrne and many more.

Early Notables of the Gisbourne family

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

Gisbourne migration to the United States +

Gisbourne Settlers in United States in the 17th Century

James Gisbourne, who settled in Virginia in 1654-1663

Sources +

Lewis, Samuel, A Topographical Dictionary of England. Institute of Historical Research, 1848, Print.
Williams, Dr Ann. And G.H. Martin, Eds., Domesday Book A Complete Translation. London: Penguin, 1992. Print. (ISBN 0-141-00523-8)
Mills, A.D., Dictionary of English Place-Names. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-19-869156-4)