Squibbs

This unusual and interesting name is, it is claimed, a metonymic 16th Century nickname for a satirical person, a writer or public speaker, one who may have liked upsetting the establishment. The famous Victorian etymologist Canon C W Bardsley suggests that the name described a servant but this is clearly wrong. The surname is not apparently recorded before the 16th century, and even then was associated with 'fireworks', something that went off with a bang! This suggests that the name could be occupational for a firework manufacturer? Either way a coat of Arms was granted to the Squibbs of Dorset and Wiltshire, so clearly the nameholders achieved considerable stature. This has the blazon of three Black Bulls on a Gold Field, with the motto "Pro Crux audax!, (Bold for the Cross)". The name development has included, Gratia Squibb who married Guilelmus Daw at Rampisham, Dorset in 1602 whilst Anne Marie Squib was recorded at Ash, Surrey in 1628 and more recently Maria Squibb was christened at Godstone Church on May 21st 1826. The modern name spellings include Squibb, Squibbs and Squibbes, and all are relatively rare. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of Edward Squibe (infant), which was dated 1572, who was christened at Cattistock, Dorset, during the reign of Queen Elizabeth 1, known as 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.