This unusual name which has been found recorded as Knibe, Knib, Knibs, Knibbs, Knibbes appears to be a late medieval development of Robert. The line would appear to be Rob to Nob to Nib or Knib(e). Mary Knib being recorded as marrying at Twickenham in 1664. The plural versions of the name are probably a late form of patronymic (i.e. Son of Knib), Henry Knibbs being recorded in Shoreditch in 1779. The name appears to be specifically English and in the early recordings, found mainly in the London Area, where "Cockeny" dialectual slang accounted for many name origins and variants. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of James Knibe. which was dated 1593, Married Ann Farrar at St. Lawrence Church, London. 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.