Coumbs History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

• Origins Available:
• England

Etymology of Coumbs

The Anglo-Saxon name Coumbs comes from the family having resided in a small valley; the surname Coumbs is often derived from the Old English word cumb, which means valley. In this case, it belongs to the class of topographic surnames, which were given to people who resided near physical features such as hills, streams, churches, or types of trees. Alternately, the surname Coumbs may be derived from residence in one of the many places called Comb, Combe, or Coombe. In this case, it belongs to the large category of Anglo-Saxon habitation names, which are derived from pre-existing names for towns, villages, parishes, or farmsteads.

Early Origins of the Coumbs family

Early History of the Coumbs family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Coumbs research. Another 82 words (6 lines of text) covering the years 1269, 1317 and 1651 are included under the topic Early Coumbs History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Coumbs Spelling Variations

Coumbs has been spelled many different ways. Before English spelling became standardized over the last few hundred years, spelling variations in names were a common occurrence. As the English language changed in the Middle Ages, absorbing pieces of Latin and French, as well as other languages, the spelling of people's names also changed considerably, even over a single lifetime. Spelling variants included: Coombes, Cumbey, Cumbie, Coomes, Combes, Comes, Cumbay, Cumby, Coomby, Coombey and many more.

Early Notables of the Coumbs family

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

Migration of the Coumbs family

In an attempt to escape the chaos experienced in England, many English families boarded overcrowded and diseased ships sailing for the shores of North America and other British colonies. Those families hardy enough, and lucky enough, to make the passage intact were rewarded with land and a social environment less prone to religious and political persecution. Many of these families became important contributors to the young colonies in which they settled. Early immigration and passenger lists have documented some of the first Coumbss to arrive on North American shores: Anthony Coombe who settled there around the year 1640. He was a blacksmith by trade. According to tradition Anthony's parents wanted him to become a monk and gave him to a group of priests. He escaped later with an English Bible, and became a blacksmith in the town of Wells, where he defended his farm against the Indians. Henry Coombs bought land on Georgetown Island in 1676.