This interesting and unusual surname widespread in Yorkshire, is a diminutive of "Hibbs", itself deriving from two possible sources, i.e. a patronymic of "Hibbert", a Norman personal name from the Germanic elements "hild" battle and "berht", famous; or metronymic from the medieval female personal name "Ibb", a pet form of Isabel(le). Isabel is a variant of "Elizabeth" which originally came from the hebrew "Elisheva", my God (is my) oath. The form Isabella originated in Spain, and was introduced into France in the 13th Century (borne by a sister of St. Louis who lived as a nun after declining marriage to the Holy Roman Emperor). From here it found its way into England, where it became very popular, as the female personal name Elizabeth. The personal name was recorded as "Ybot" and "Ibbota" in 1286 and 1314, respectively in Yorkshire records. A Roger Ybott was recorded in the Hand of Letter books of London in 1415, while in the Calender of Patent Rolls, a John Hybbot was listed in 1550. Benjamin Ibbot (1680 - 1725) a notable namebearer, went to Cambridge University (1699) and was Chaplain to Archbishop Tenison and George 1st. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of Johannes Ibotteson, which was dated 1379, in the "Poll Tax Records of Yorkshire", during the reign of King Richard 11, known as "Richard of Bordeaux", 1377 - 1399. 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.

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