Cumbay History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

• Origins Available:
• England

Etymology of Cumbay

The name Cumbay is part of the ancient legacy of the Anglo-Saxon tribes of Britain. It is a product of when the family lived in a small valley; the surname Cumbay 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 Cumbay 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 Cumbay family

Early History of the Cumbay family

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

Cumbay Spelling Variations

The first dictionaries that appeared in the last few hundred years did much to standardize the English language. Before that time, spelling variations in names were a common occurrence. The language was changing, incorporating pieces of other languages, and the spelling of names changed with it. Cumbay has been spelled many different ways, including Coombes, Cumbey, Cumbie, Coomes, Combes, Comes, Cumbay, Cumby, Coomby, Coombey and many more.

Early Notables of the Cumbay family

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

Migration of the Cumbay family

Thousands of English families in this era began to emigrate the New World in search of land and freedom from religious and political persecution. Although the passage was expensive and the ships were dark, crowded, and unsafe, those who made the voyage safely were rewarded with opportunities unavailable to them in their homeland. Research into passenger and immigration lists has revealed some of the very first Cumbays to arrive in North America: 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.