Rabbits History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England

Etymology of Rabbits

What does the name Rabbits mean?

The name Rabbits was brought to England by the Normans when they conquered the country in 1066. It comes from the given name Robert, which is adapted from the Norman personal name Radbode. This latter name is composed of the Germanic elements rad, meaning counsel or advice, and bodo, meaning message or tidings.

Early Origins of the Rabbits family

The surname Rabbits was first found in Suffolk where "this ancient family who have resided at Bramfield for several centuries, claim a Norman descent." 1 Following the Norman descent deeper, we found "Hugh Rabace in Normandy 1180-95 and Gerard Rabes there in 1198." 2 However, the family was clearly in England about the same time: "Robert Rabaz gave Kenilworth or Chillingworth Church, Northamptonshire to De la Pré Abbey, which gift was confirmed by Henry II. [his reign: 5 March 1133-6 July 1189]" 2 St. Andrew's Church, Bramfield is a 13th century church which has ledger slabs of members of the Rabett and Nelson families.

Early History of the Rabbits family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Rabbits research. Another 87 words (6 lines of text) covering the years 1298, 1313, 1316 and 1467 are included under the topic Early Rabbits History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Rabbits Spelling Variations

Before the advent of the printing press and the first dictionaries, the English language was not standardized. Sound was what guided spelling in the Middle Ages, so one person's name was often recorded under several variations during a single lifetime. Spelling variations were common, even among the names of the most literate people. Known variations of the Rabbits family name include Rabbit, Rabett, Rabit, Rabbitt and others.

Early Notables of the Rabbits family

Another 45 words (3 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Rabbits Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Rabbits migration to Australia +

Rabbits Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century

Robert Rabbits, aged 36, a labourer, who arrived in South Australia in 1854 aboard the ship "Navarino" 3

Sources +

Lower, Mark Anthony, Patronymica Britannica, A Dictionary of Family Names of the United Kingdom. London: John Russel Smith, 1860. Print.
The Norman People and Their Existing Descendants in the British Dominions and the United States Of America. Baltimore: Genealogical Publishing, 1975. Print. (ISBN 0-8063-0636-X)
South Australian Register Monday 14th August 1854. (Retrieved 2010, November 5) Navarino 1854. Retrieved http://www.theshipslist.com/ships/australia/navarino1854.shtml