Balcome History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England
Scotland

Etymology of Balcome

What does the name Balcome mean?

The name Balcome is of Anglo-Saxon origin and came from when the family lived the place name Balcombe in Sussex. The name was most likely assumed by a family who held land in the area.

Early Origins of the Balcome family

The surname Balcome was first found in West Sussex, at Balcombe a village and civil parish which dates back to about the 11th century when it was listed as Balecumba. Together the name possibly meant "valley of a man called Bealda" from the Old English personal name + cumb 1 which meant "valley" or "hollow". The village was not listed in the Domesday Book.

Early History of the Balcome family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Balcome research. Another 51 words (4 lines of text) covering the years 1614, 1615, 1616 and 1619 are included under the topic Early Balcome History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Balcome Spelling Variations

It is only in the last few hundred years that the English language has been standardized. For that reason, early Anglo-Saxon surnames like Balcome are characterized by many spelling variations. As the English language changed and incorporated elements of other European languages, even literate people changed the spelling of their names. Scribes and monks in the Middle Ages spelled names they sounded, so it is common to find several variations that refer to a single person. The variations of the name Balcome include: Balcom, Balcome, Balcomb, Balcomm, Balcombe and others.

Early Notables of the Balcome family

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

Migration of the Balcome family

Many English families tired of political and religious strife left Britain for the new colonies in North America. Although the trip itself offered no relief - conditions on the ships were extremely cramped, and many travelers arrived diseased, starving, and destitute - these immigrants believed the opportunities that awaited them were worth the risks. Once in the colonies, many of the families did indeed prosper and, in turn, made significant contributions to the culture and economies of the growing colonies. An inquiry into the early roots of North American families has revealed a number of immigrants bearing the name Balcome or a variant listed above: Alexander Balcom, who came to Rhode Island in 1664, Henry Balcom, who is on record in Charlestown, MA in 1664; Jonas Balcom, who arrived in Nova Scotia some time between 1735-1835.

The Balcome 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: Tenebo
Motto Translation: I will hold.

Sources +

Mills, A.D., Dictionary of English Place-Names. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-19-869156-4)