Gibb

Gibb is a patronymic surname of Scottish origin, first recorded in the sixteenth century. It is derived from the given name Gib, which was a medieval diminutive of Gilbert. The name Gilbert itself comes from the Old German elements gisal meaning 'pledge, hostage' and beraht meaning 'bright', combining to form 'bright pledge'. Introduced to England by the Normans, Gilbert was common during the Middle Ages and was borne by a 12th-century English saint, the founder of the Gilbertines.

Notable Bearers

The surname Gibb has been borne by many notable figures, most famously by the Gibb brothers of the music group the Bee Gees: Barry Gibb (born 1946), Robin Gibb (1949–2012), and Maurice Gibb (1949–2003) were all English-born singers and songwriters. The youngest brother, Andy Gibb (1958–1988), also enjoyed a successful solo career as a teen idol. Other bearers include Alexander Gibb (1872–1958), a Scottish civil engineer; Bobbi Gibb (born 1942), an American long-distance runner; and Jeffrey Gibb Kennett (born 1948), a former Premier of Victoria, Australia. In the world of sports, Ali Gibb (born 1976) played professional football in England.

Variants and Distribution

The surname Gibb is one of several patronymic forms derived from Gilbert, sharing roots with the more common English surnames Gibbs and Gibson, both of which are also used in Scottish tradition. In other cultures, cognate surnames include the German Giese and the Dutch Geelen and Geels. The direct French equivalent is Gilbert. While Gibb originated in Scotland, it has since spread to English-speaking countries worldwide.

• Meaning: Derived from the diminutive Gib, which is a medieval form of Gilbert, meaning 'bright pledge.'
• Origin: Scottish surname patronymic.
• Usage Regions: Scotland, English-speaking world.
• Variants: Gibbs, Gibson, Gilbert (in other languages).