Surname Tibbitts - Meaning and Origin
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Tibbitts: What does the surname Tibbitts mean?
The surname TIBBITTS is of English origin and is derived from the Old English words “teob”, meaning “people”, and “halh”, meaning “nook” – thus it’s a placename indicating the birthplace of those who bear the name.
TIBBITTS is an interesting name, because it dates back to medieval times in the region of Lincolnshire and can be found scattered throughout England’s villages and towns. Thus, its geographical origin makes it a relatively rare and unique name.
The record of TIBBITTS is significant in England’s history, having been carried across the generations, even though it remains quite uncommon. It appears that in the past some of the earliest family members held important positions of power and status, such as that of Lord of the Manor or local magistrate.
Today, many of the variants for the surname TIBBITTS are still found in the area of origin. These variants range from Tibbetts, Tibbett, Tibbets, Tibbotson, Tibott and Tibbitz. In modern times, the surname is most likely to be found in parts of the United Kingdom as well as Australia, the United States and Canada.
All in all, it is believed that TIBBITTS is a surname that remains steeped in a colourful history. Its geographical origin demonstrates that it is a consistently evolving name, having been passed down from generation to generation, as its presence has persisted so successfully throughout time.
Order DNA origin analysisTibbitts: Where does the name Tibbitts come from?
The surname TIBBITTS is most commonly found across parts of England, particularly in Cornwall and Devon, where the name is believed to have originated.
The records show that it was first recorded in the 12th century, when members of the family held small holdings in the area. They became well known for their farming and blacksmithing skills, and their fortunes gradually improved as they established themselves as a prominent family in the region.
The name is also found across the United States, with immigrant families first setting sail for America in the 17th and 18th centuries. As with their counterparts in England, the families in America continued to be associated with farming and blacksmithing.
Today, the surname remains common across those countries where the families have been in residence for centuries. The name also appears in other parts of the world, including Australia and New Zealand. It is not an uncommon name, and is commonly found throughout all of these countries today.
Variations of the surname Tibbitts
The surname Tibbits (or Tippetts, Tibbetts, Tibbets, Tibbits, Tibbetts,or Tybbits) originated from an old Middle English word “tippet”, which referred to a long, loose-fitting cape or cloak.
Tippetts is likely the most common alternate spelling of this name, although it is spelled with an “P” instead of the traditional “B”. Tibbetts is another common spelling, most likely due to the common misspelling of the letter “B”. Tibbits is another variation of the name, although it is rarely used. Tibbets, Tibbits, and Tybbits are all variations of the name, with Tybbits being the variation most likely associated with the Middle English root of the name.
The name Tibbits has been present in the United States for many generations and has also been found in England, Canada, and Australia. Records show that some of the earliest bearers of the name included Thomas Tibbetts and Christian Tibbetts, who were recorded as living in the U.S. state of Virginia during the 17th century. In the 18th century, an Ebenezer Tibbits was recorded as living in Lancaster, Massachusetts and by the 19th century the Tibbits family had spread to Canada, where the name was found primarily in the Ottawa region.
The name Tibbits, and its many variations, have a long and interesting history. While the spelling remains relatively unchanged, its many variants make it a name that can change from generation to generation. For those looking for their family histories, the many variations on the name should be taken into account.
Famous people with the name Tibbitts
- William Tibbitts: Civil War correspondent for the New York Times.
- Georgy Tibbitts: editor-in-chief of The New York Sun newspaper.
- Harry Tibbitts: Actor and entertainer.
- Everett Tibbitts: Author and broadcaster.
- David Tibbitts: American Revolutionary War soldier and one of the earliest settlers of Westerly, Rhode Island.
- Lloyd Tibbitts: Major League Baseball player for the Philadelphia Phillies, the St. Louis Browns and the Pittsburgh Pirates.
- W. W. Tibbitts: American politician and the first mayor of Santa Cruz, California.
- William H. Tibbitts: American historian, lecturer, and president of Bowdoin College.
- John W. Tibbitts: American lawyer, businessman, and politician who served as Illinois State Treasurer from 1909 to 1917.
- William J. Tibbitts: American educator and the President of the University of Kansas from 1949 to 1956.