Origin & Meaning of the Gibson Surname
What does the last name Gibson mean?
The surname Gibson carries the meaning "Son of Gib." It is derived from the Old English language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 190,667 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Gibson ranks as the #130 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Gibson come from?
The Gibson surname has its roots in English heritage. Names of English origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the Gibson name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Gibson trace back to Old English. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.
Quick Facts
| Surname | Gibson |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Son of Gib |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #130 |
| US Count (2010) | 190,667 |
| Per 100K People | 64.64 |
| First Letter | G |
Ethnic Distribution of Gibson
According to the US Census, the Gibson surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 190,667 Americans with the Gibson last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 72.14% |
| Black | 21.78% |
| Hispanic | 2.31% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.46% |
| Native American | 0.97% |
| Two or More Races | 2.34% |
Popularity of Gibson Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Gibson surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Gibson surname increased by 6,247 between 2000 and 2010.
Discover Your Gibson Ancestry
Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Gibson ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.
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The Complete Story of the Gibson Family
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- ✓ The true origin & meaning of Gibson
- ✓ The Gibson coat of arms & heraldry
- ✓ Migration journey across the world
- ✓ Where Gibson families live today
- ✓ Notable Gibson bearers in history
- ✓ Name variations & spellings worldwide
- ✓ A step-by-step guide to start tracing your own family tree
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Similar Surnames to Gibson
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Gibson.
Other English Surnames
Explore more surnames with English roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same English origin as Gibson.
Frequently Asked Questions About Gibson
Top Surnames Starting with G
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter G, ranked by population.
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