English (of Norman origin): of much disputed origin, but probably from a Germanic personal name composed of the elements tal ‘destroy’ + bod ‘message’, ‘tidings’, i.e. ‘messenger of destruction’. In this form the name is also found in France, taken there apparently by English immigrants; the usual French form is Talbert.
FOREBEARS Talbot is the name of an ancient Irish family of Norman origin, which have held the earldoms of Shrewsbury and Waterford since the 15th century. They were granted the baronial estate of Malahide, near Dublin, by Henry II (1154–89), an estate that they held for over 850 years. They trace their descent from Richard de Talbott, mentioned in the Domesday Book. His son, Hugh de Talbot or Talebot’h, became governor of Plessis Castle, Normandy, France, in 1118.A Talbot, also known as Gervais, from Rouen, Normandy, is recorded in Pointeaux-Trembles, Quebec, in 1689.
