Surname Gilbow - Meaning and Origin

Gilbow: What does the surname Gilbow mean?

The last name Gilbow is of English origin and can be traced back to the Middle Ages. The name is derived from the Old English personal name Gilbert, combined with the word 'boga', which means bow. It is thought that the name was given to a person who was skilled with a bow and arrow, a hunter or an expert archer.

Throughout history, the name has stayed quite popular and can be found in different parts and countries of the world. In the United States, the earliest record of the surname dates back to the 1640s, when John Cadwallader Gilbow arrived in Virginia from England. The family tree is believed to have started from this original settler of what was then the colonies.

Today, the name can be seen everywhere; from the United Kingdom to the United States and even further afield. It is a sturdy, old-fashioned surname that has withstood the test of time and continues to be a solid, reliable family name.

The meaning of the name Gilbow is not known for certain, but its origin has been traced back to its old English roots. In its simplest form, it is a name to describe a skilled archer, a hunter, or a protector. Its legacy, though, is a reminder of a proud surname that has spanned centuries and can still be found around the world today.

Gilbow: Where does the name Gilbow come from?

The last name Gilbow is found all across the world today, though its most common locations are in the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada.

In the United States, the surname is most prominent in California, Texas, and Georgia, although it's found in a variety of other states as well. The presence of Gilbow in the United Kingdom is at its highest in the South East, particularly around London. Australia's Gilbow population is strongest in New South Wales and Victoria. And in Canada, the name is most prevalently found in British Columbia and Ontario.

The origins of the surname are arguably unknown, although it may ultimately derive from the Old English term ‘Gildeboue’, or ‘gilded mound’. This is a fitting origin, as the name likely originally signified someone who lived near a hill or mound with gold at the top. In terms of its historical locations, research indicates an abundance of Gilbows populating regions of Northern England, particularly in Yorkshire, and also Scotland in the early 1600s.

Ultimately, today the Gilbow surname is likely most common in the places outlined above. Its presence may vary from region to region, but the name is sure to continue to thrive.

Variations of the surname Gilbow

The Gilbow surname is a variably-spelled English name derived from the personal name Giles or Gilb. Variant spellings include Gilbo, Gilbou, Gilbough, Gilbowe and Gilboue. Surnames also derived from the same origin include Gilbertson, Gilson, Gilberson and Gylbertson.

The meaning of the original personal name, Giles, is ‘shield’, suggesting an ancestor of strong and protective heritage. Early on, the original Gilb name was joined with variations in key regional dialects including a softening of the ‘l’ sound into a ‘w’ in some areas, or the addition of a ‘u’ in other areas.

The name is most common in Scotland and the North of England but has spread to other areas across the English-speaking world colonized by Britain, often in slightly altered form. In France, for instance, the variant spelling Gilbow is a common name.

Variations in spelling notwithstanding, the Gilbow surname has a strong presence in other countries too. This is due both to migration and to immigration, in particular from those who have adopted the name in their own language as a derivative of the original.

In the United States the surname has several forms including Gilbow, Gilbo, Gilbough and Gilbous. Gilbag and Gilbertes are also present in several countries and regions, as are Gilbun, Gilben and Gilbin.

The number of variants attests to the migration of the Gilbow name over the centuries, and to the changes which have been adopted along the way. Its long history as a surname is a testament to its popularity, both in its original form and as a variation, and to its presence across a large geographical area today.

Famous people with the name Gilbow

• Mick Gilbow: Former professional rugby player and now a BBC commentator.
• Jill Gilbow: Los Angeles-based actress well known for her role in the film “The Lion King”.
• Vance Gilbow: American Grammy winning country singer-songwriter best known for his song “El Dorado”.
• Toni Gilbow: South African-born actress who has starred in a number of American films.
• Kristi Gilbow: American country music singer and songwriter.
• Jim Gilbow: Former professional football player who played wide receiver for the Detroit Lions.
• Phil Gilbow: British actor known for playing the role of Roy Hattersly in the BBC soap opera “EastEnders”.
• Joel Gilbow: American Olympic swimmer who competed in the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
• Mike Gilbow: Professional mountain biker from North Carolina.
• Libby Gilbow: Professional golfer competing on the LPGA Tour.

Other surnames

Gilbo