The name ‘Gilbert’ is of English (Norman) origin. it was a Norman personal name composed of the elements ‘gisil’ meaning ‘hostage, noble youth and ‘berht’ meaning bright, famous. This given name enjoyed considerable popularity in England during the Middle Ages. Compiled information from Historical and Private archive’s has confirmed that the surname ‘Gilbert’ and or it’s variant’s, dates as far back as the 11th century, where the famous ‘St Gilbert of Sempringham’ (1085-1189), was the founder of the only native English monastic order, In modern day records the name is found in 1273 were a ‘Isolda fil Gilberti’, from England, is recorded on the Hundred Rolls. The exact period of settlement in North America has not been definately determined but Information extracted from Public and Civil registry archive’s confirm that one of the first settlers was a certain ‘John Gilbert’, emigrated from Bridgewater, Somerset, England and settled ot Dorchester, Massachusetts, before 1636. Today, ‘Gilbert’ is the ‘198th’ most common surname in North America….
Coat of arms: Erminie, on a chevron sable three roses arg…