Show ContentsKillomb History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Today's generation of the Killomb family bears a name that was brought to England by the migration wave that was started by the Norman Conquest of 1066. The Killomb family lived at Kelham in Nottinghamshire, a parish northwest of Newark. The name Killomb is derived from the Old Norse expression for at the ridges. It is most commonly found in Northamptonshire and Nottinghamshire.

Early Origins of the Killomb family

The surname Killomb was first found in Nottinghamshire. "A Norman family, who derive their name from Kelham, near Newark-upon-Trent, co. Nottingham, where they were seated at an early period. They still bear in their arms three covered cups, in allusion to the office of cup-bearer to Alan, earl of Richmond, the Conqueror's son-in-law, which was held by their ancestor. " 1

This was the place that Charles I. spent his last night before he gave himself up to the Scottish army, who encamped on the spot in May, 1646. 2

Early History of the Killomb family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Killomb research. Another 73 words (5 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Killomb History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Killomb Spelling Variations

Before English spelling was standardized a few hundred years ago, spelling variations of names were a common occurrence. Elements of Latin, Norman French and other languages became incorporated into English throughout the Middle Ages, and name spellings changed even among the literate. The variations of the surname Killomb include Kellam, Kelham and others.

Early Notables of the Killomb family

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

Migration of the Killomb family

In England at this time, the uncertainty of the political and religious environment of the time caused many families to board ships for distant British colonies in the hopes of finding land and opportunity, and escaping persecution. The voyages were expensive, crowded, and difficult, though, and many arrived in North America sick, starved, and destitute. Those who did make it, however, were greeted with greater opportunities and freedoms that they could have experienced at home. Many of those families went on to make important contributions to the young nations in which they settled. Early immigration records have shown some of the first Killombs to arrive on North American shores: Patrick Kellam arrived in Philadelphia in 1840; John Kelham arrived in New Orleans in 1821; Timothy Kelham arrived in Boston in 1763 with his wife and servants..



The Killomb 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: Beneficiorum memor
Motto Translation: Mindful of benefits.


  1. Lower, Mark Anthony, Patronymica Britannica, A Dictionary of Family Names of the United Kingdom. London: John Russel Smith, 1860. Print.
  2. Lewis, Samuel, A Topographical Dictionary of England. Institute of Historical Research, 1848, Print.


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