Show ContentsGolbyrne History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Early Origins of the Golbyrne family

The surname Golbyrne was first found in Cheshire where it was listed as Golborne, part of the Duddeston hundred. Hence, conjecturally, the surname is descended from the tenant of the lands of Golborne held by Osbern FitzTezzo a Norman noble from William Malbank, Baron of Nantwich who was recorded in the Domesday Book census of 1086. 1 Baron William was from Brecy, near Caen in Normandy and was granted the lands by Duke William after Hastings. Golborne held an important winter Mill and was a large village in 1066. William Malbank, originally 'le Seigneur William de Brecy', may have adopted his new name Mal or Milbank from this Mill. Golborne is also a town in Greater Manchester, historically part of Lancashire and dates back to 1187, when it was spelt Goldeburn. The place name literally meant "stream where marsh marigolds grow", derived from the Old English golde + burna. 2

Early History of the Golbyrne family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Golbyrne research. Another 110 words (8 lines of text) covering the years 1230 and 1332 are included under the topic Early Golbyrne History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Golbyrne Spelling Variations

Before the last few hundred years, the English language had no fast system of spelling rules. For that reason, spelling variations are commonly found in early Anglo-Saxon surnames. Over the years, many variations of the name Golbyrne were recorded, including Golborn, Goldbourne, Goldborn, Goulbourn, Goulborn, Golborne, Goldborne, Goldburn, Goldburne, Golburn, Golburne, Golbourne and many more.

Early Notables of the Golbyrne family

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

Migration of the Golbyrne family

To escape oppression and starvation at that time, many English families left for the "open frontiers" of the New World with all its perceived opportunities. In droves people migrated to the many British colonies, those in North America in particular, paying high rates for passages in cramped, unsafe ships. Although many of the settlers did not make the long passage alive, those who did see the shores of North America perceived great opportunities before them. Many of the families that came from England went on to make essential contributions to the emerging nations of Canada and the United States. Research into various historical records revealed some of first members of the Golbyrne family emigrate to North America: Edward Golbourn, who arrived in Virginia in 1654; and Richard Golbourne, who settled in Virginia in 1658.



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


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