Show ContentsBoncown History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The ancestors of the Boncown surname lived among the ancient Anglo-Saxon culture. The name comes from when they lived in the village of Butcombe in the county of Somerset.

Early Origins of the Boncown family

The surname Boncown was first found in Somerset, where "this surname is derived from a geographical locality. 'of Buncombe,' or 'Boncombe,' some spot in the West country." 1 Kirby's Quest notes that Richard de Bounecombe was listed there, 1 Edward III (during the first year of King Edward III's reign.) 2

Early History of the Boncown family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Boncown research. Another 189 words (14 lines of text) covering the years 1086, 1327 and 1500 are included under the topic Early Boncown History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Boncown Spelling Variations

Before English spelling was standardized a few hundred years ago, spelling variations of names were a common occurrence. Elements of Latin, French and other languages became incorporated into English through the Middle Ages, and name spellings changed even among the literate. The variations of the surname Boncown include Buncombe, Butcombe, Bounecombe, Bunecombe, Buncomb, Boncombe and many more.

Early Notables of the Boncown family

More information is included under the topic Early Boncown Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Boncown family

A great wave of immigration to the New World was the result of the enormous political and religious disarray that struck England at that time. Families left for the New World in extremely large numbers. The long journey was the end of many immigrants and many more arrived sick and starving. Still, those who made it were rewarded with an opportunity far greater than they had known at home in England. These emigrant families went on to make significant contributions to these emerging colonies in which they settled. Some of the first North American settlers carried this name or one of its variants: William Bunchcombe who arrived in Virginia in 1663.



  1. Bardsley, C.W, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames: With Special American Instances. Wiltshire: Heraldry Today, 1901. Print. (ISBN 0-900455-44-6)
  2. Dickinson, F.H., Kirby's Quest for Somerset of 16th of Edward the 3rd London: Harrison and Sons, Printers in Ordinary to Her Majesty, St, Martin's Lane, 1889. Print.


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