Buncombe History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England

Etymology of Buncombe

What does the name Buncombe mean?

The origins of the Buncombe name come from when the Anglo-Saxon tribes ruled over Britain. The name Buncombe was originally derived from a family having lived in the village of Butcombe in the county of Somerset.

Early Origins of the Buncombe family

The surname Buncombe 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 Buncombe family

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

Buncombe 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 Buncombe include Buncombe, Butcombe, Bounecombe, Bunecombe, Buncomb, Boncombe and many more.

Early Notables of the Buncombe family

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

Migration of the Buncombe 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.

Contemporary Notables of the name Buncombe (post 1700) +

Edward Buncombe (1742-1778), American plantation owner in the Province of North Carolina, colonel in the Continental Army in the American Revolutionary War, eponym of Buncombe County
Christopher James "Chris" Buncombe (b. 1979), British racing driver

Sources +

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.