Show ContentsPowncebey History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The name Powncebey reached England in the great wave of migration following the Norman Conquest of 1066. The Powncebey family lived in Cumberland, at Ponsonby, from whence the family derived their name.

Early Origins of the Powncebey family

The surname Powncebey was first found in Cumberland at Ponsonby, a parish, in the union of Whitehaven, Allerdale ward above Derwent. 1 "Before the adoption of the surname, they are said to have been of Hale, in the same county. Still earlier, according to a family tradition, they were of the noble rank in Picardy, the founder of the house in England having come over with the Conqueror, who appointed him his Barber! The three combs in the arms of Ponsonby are alleged in support of this story, and if further evidence can possibly be desired, the chevron that separates them may adumbrate the open razor, wherewithal the dread face of the mighty Conqueror was denuded of its manly appendage!" 2

Early History of the Powncebey family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Powncebey research. Another 62 words (4 lines of text) covering the years 1340, 1546, 1604, 1660, 1679, 1713, 1739, 1758 and 1789 are included under the topic Early Powncebey History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Powncebey Spelling Variations

Before the advent of the printing press and the first dictionaries, the English language was not standardized. Sound was what guided spelling in the Middle Ages, so one person's name was often recorded under several variations during a single lifetime. Spelling variations were common, even among the names of the most literate people. Known variations of the Powncebey family name include Ponsonby, Pounceby, Pownceby and others.

Early Notables of the Powncebey family

Another 41 words (3 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Powncebey Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Ireland Migration of the Powncebey family to Ireland

Some of the Powncebey family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 59 words (4 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Powncebey family

To escape the political and religious chaos of this era, thousands of English families began to migrate to the New World in search of land and freedom from religious and political persecution. The passage was expensive and the ships were dark, crowded, and unsafe; however, those who made the voyage safely were encountered opportunities that were not available to them in their homeland. Many of the families that reached the New World at this time went on to make important contributions to the emerging nations of the United States and Canada. Research into various historical records has revealed some of first members of the Powncebey family to immigrate North America: Thomas Ponsonby arrived in Philadelphia in 1850.



The Powncebey 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: Pro rege, lege grege
Motto Translation: For the King, law and people.


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


Houseofnames.com on Facebook