Hibbs

The surname Hibbs originates from England and dates back to the late 12th century. It is derived from the Old English word "hib" or "hibb", meaning a seed or berry. The name likely referred to someone who lived near a berry patch or grew berries. Early variations of the spelling include Hybb, Hibbe, and Hibbes.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name appears in the Pipe Rolls of Yorkshire in 1194, which mention a Richard Hib. The Hundredorum Rolls of 1273 also contain several references to individuals with the surname Hibbs or similar spellings, such as William Hibbe and Adam Hibbes. These records indicate that the name was prevalent in Yorkshire and the surrounding areas during the 13th century.

The Hibbs surname is also found in the Domesday Book of 1086, which was a comprehensive survey of land ownership and taxation in England commissioned by William the Conqueror. However, the specific individuals mentioned in the Domesday Book with this surname are not clearly documented.

In the 16th century, the name Hibbs began to appear in parish records and other historical documents across various regions of England, suggesting its spread beyond Yorkshire. One notable individual from this period was John Hibbs, a merchant and landowner from Gloucestershire, who lived from 1524 to 1598.

During the 17th and 18th centuries, several individuals with the Hibbs surname made their mark in various fields. Robert Hibbs (1619-1684) was an English clergyman and academic who served as the Master of Clare College, Cambridge. Another notable figure was Elizabeth Hibbs (1677-1721), a Quaker writer and preacher from Pennsylvania, who was one of the earliest published female authors in the American colonies.

In the 19th century, the Hibbs surname gained prominence in both England and the United States. William Hibbs (1801-1878) was an English landscape painter known for his depictions of rural scenes. Meanwhile, in the United States, Henry Hibbs (1807-1886) was a successful businessman and politician who served as a member of the United States House of Representatives from Kentucky.

Other individuals with the Hibbs surname who left their mark on history include George Hibbs (1876-1945), a Canadian professional ice hockey player and member of the Hockey Hall of Fame, and Gerry Hibbs (1909-1964), an American baseball player and coach who spent several seasons in Major League Baseball.