Bittiscombe History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England

The history of the Bittiscombe family goes back to the ancient Anglo-Saxon culture of Britain. It is derived from the family living in Bittiscombe, in Somerset. The placename was first recorded in 1180 in the form Bitelescumba, and experts theorize that it is derived from the Old English personal name Bitel and the word cumb, which means valley. Thus the surname Bittiscombe literally means the dweller at Bitta's valley.

Early Origins of the Bittiscombe family

The surname Bittiscombe was first found in Somerset, where they held a family seat from ancient times.

Early History of the Bittiscombe family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Bittiscombe research. Another 251 words (18 lines of text) covering the years 1180, 1273, 1500, 1576, 1747, 1750, 1807 and 1878 are included under the topic Early Bittiscombe History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Bittiscombe Spelling Variations

Until quite recently, the English language has lacked a definite system of spelling rules. Consequently, Anglo-Saxon surnames are characterized by a multitude of spelling variations. Changes in Anglo-Saxon names were influenced by the evolution of the English language, as it incorporated elements of French, Latin, and other languages. Although Medieval scribes and church officials recorded names as they sounded, so it is common to find one person referred to by several different spellings of his surname, even the most literate people varied the spelling of their own names. Variations of the name Bittiscombe include Biddlecombe, Bittiscumbe, Bittiscombe, Bitelescumbe, Biteliscombe, Biddelcombe, Biddalcomb and many more.

Early Notables of the Bittiscombe family

Another 27 words (2 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Bittiscombe Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Bittiscombe family

Searching for a better life, many English families migrated to British colonies. Unfortunately, the majority of them traveled under extremely harsh conditions: overcrowding on the ships caused the majority of the immigrants to arrive diseased, famished, and destitute from the long journey across the ocean. For those families that arrived safely, modest prosperity was attainable, and many went on to make invaluable contributions to the development of the cultures of the new colonies. Research into the origins of individual families in North America revealed records of the immigration of a number of people bearing the name Bittiscombe or a variant listed above: Walter Biddelcombe who arrived in Michigan in 1892.

The Bittiscombe Motto +

The motto was originally a war cry or slogan. Mottoes first began to be shown with arms in the 14th and 15th centuries, but were not in general use until the 17th century. Thus the oldest coats of arms generally do not include a motto. Mottoes seldom form part of the grant of arms: Under most heraldic authorities, a motto is an optional component of the coat of arms, and can be added to or changed at will; many families have chosen not to display a motto.

Motto: Non Omnis Moriam
Motto Translation: Not all memory