This surname was a baptismal name 'the son of Isabel' from the nickname Ibb. From Yorkshire down to Cornwall this was one of the most favourite font names during the Middle Ages. Following the crusades in Europe in the 11th 12th and 13th century, a need was felt for a family name to replace or in addition to the one that had been given at birth. This was recognized by those of noble birth, as it added prestige and practical advantage to their status. Early records of the name mention Johannes Ibbottsone who was listed in the Yorkshire Poll Tax of 1379. Ibot Baker 1379, ibid. In Cornwall the name lingered on as a personal name until late into the 17th century. Later instances include Ibbett, daughter of Richard Sprey, who was baptised at St. Columb Major, County Cornwall in the year 1579. Richard Ibbitson and and Betty Munden were married at St. George's, Hanover Square, London in 1780. Originally the coat of arms identified the wearer, either in battle or in tournaments. Completely covered in body and facial armour the knight could be spotted and known by the insignia painted on his shield, and embroidered on his surcoat, the draped garment which enveloped him. Between the 11th and 15th centuries it became customary for surnames to be assumed in Europe, but were not commonplace in England or Scotland before the Norman Conquest of 1066. They are to be found in the Domesday Book of 1086. Those of gentler blood assumed surnames at this time, but it was not until the reign of Edward II (1307-1327) that second names became general practice for all people. Most of the European surnames were formed in the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries. The process had started somewhat earlier and had continued in some places into the 19th century, but the norm is that in the tenth and eleventh centuries people did not have surnames, whereas by the fifteenth century most of the population had acquired a second name. |
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