Show ContentsBunecown History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The ancestors of the name Bunecown date back to the Anglo-Saxon tribes of Britain. The name is derived from when the Bunecown family lived in the village of Butcombe in the county of Somerset.

Early Origins of the Bunecown family

The surname Bunecown 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 Bunecown family

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

Bunecown 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 Bunecown 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. The variations of the name Bunecown include: Buncombe, Butcombe, Bounecombe, Bunecombe, Buncomb, Boncombe and many more.

Early Notables of the Bunecown family

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

Migration of the Bunecown 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 Bunecown or a variant listed above: William Bunchcombe who arrived in Virginia in 1663.



  1. Bardsley, C.W, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames: With Special American Instances. Wiltshire: Heraldry Today, 1901. Print. (ISBN 0-900455-44-6)
  2. 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.


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