Bunchcown History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England

Of all the Anglo-Saxon names to come from Britain, Bunchcown is one of the most ancient. The name is a result of the original family having lived in the village of Butcombe in the county of Somerset.

Early Origins of the Bunchcown family

The surname Bunchcown 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 Bunchcown family

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

Bunchcown Spelling Variations

The first dictionaries that appeared in the last few hundred years did much to standardize the English language. Before that time, spelling variations in names were a common occurrence. The language was changing, incorporating pieces of other languages, and the spelling of names changed with it. Bunchcown has been spelled many different ways, including Buncombe, Butcombe, Bounecombe, Bunecombe, Buncomb, Boncombe and many more.

Early Notables of the Bunchcown family

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

Migration of the Bunchcown family

Thousands of English families in this era began to emigrate the New World in search of land and freedom from religious and political persecution. Although the passage was expensive and the ships were dark, crowded, and unsafe, those who made the voyage safely were rewarded with opportunities unavailable to them in their homeland. Research into passenger and immigration lists has revealed some of the very first Bunchcowns to arrive in North America: William Bunchcombe who arrived in Virginia in 1663.

Citations +

Bardsley, C.W, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames: With Special American Instances. Wiltshire: Heraldry Today, 1901. Print. (ISBN 0-900455-44-6)
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.