Vibert - Name

This is a French Huguenot surname from the former district of Comte in North Eastern France. There are a number of alternative spellings include Vibert, Vibart, Vybart and Viburt, the name being well recorded both in England and Jersey Channel Islands, from the early 16th Century. It would seem that the original name holders landed first in Jersey, the 'Viberts' being recorded there throughout the following centuries. The name is a form of nickname for a hunter or soldier, and translates as 'to thrill'. The Coats of Arms being a silver stag rampant on a gold field is probable confirmation of the name etymology. The name is recorded in London from as early as 1605, Joan Vibert being married to Roger Gittines at St. Botolphs, London on February 12th of that year. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of Laurens Vibert, which was dated October 12th 1589, married Collette Esnouf at St. John's, Jersey, during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, Good Queen Bess, 1558 - 1603. Surnames became necessary when governments introduced personal taxation. In England this was known as Poll Tax. Throughout the centuries, surnames in every country have continued to "develop" often leading to astonishing variants of the original spelling.