T

he (Gilbert) name was formerly spelled "Gilbart," "Gilbeart," and "Guilbert," which means "Pledge or Hostage." It is of French origin, being one of the commonest French names. The Gilbert family is therefore of Anglo-Norman descent. In France they began to use surnames about the year 1000. We do not know how the name originated, but it was probably a Christian name of one of the family members in early times. They (the Gilbert family) may have gone to England with William the Conquerer, as they were in England at an early date, or they may have been among the Huguenots who went first to Ireland and Holland when they left France."