The History and Significance of the Surname Hibben

Hibben is a surname of English origin. It is derived from the Old English word "hibban," which means "to embrace" or "to cling." The name was originally given to someone who was known for their affectionate or clingy nature. Over time, the spelling of the name has evolved and it is now found in many different forms, including Hibben, Hibbins, Hibben, and others.

One notable person with the surname Hibben is William Hibben (1855-1942), an American mathematician and astronomer who made significant contributions to the field of celestial mechanics. He was born in New York City and graduated from Columbia University before going on to work at the U.S. Naval Observatory and the Harvard College Observatory.

In terms of genealogy, the Hibben surname is most commonly found in England and Wales, where it has been recorded since the Middle Ages. The name is also found in other parts of Europe, particularly in Scotland and Ireland, where it was introduced by English settlers. Today, the name is found all over the world, with people bearing the surname Hibben living in countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

In terms of coat of arms, the Hibben family is entitled to bear a coat of arms that features a shield with three lions passant guardant, which are gold lions with blue manes and red claws. The shield is supported by two griffins, which are mythical creatures with the body of a lion and the head of an eagle. The crest of the family is a stag's head, and the motto is "Sans tache" (French for "Without stain").

Overall, the Hibben surname has a rich history and is associated with a number of notable individuals throughout the centuries.