Show ContentsPymblay History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The name Pymblay originated with the Anglo-Saxon tribes that once ruled Britain. It is derived from the name Euphemia where it is a short form of that name. The surname Pymblay originally derived from the Old English word Pymma which came from Euphemia. The surname Pymblay referred to the son of Euphemia which belongs to the category of patronymic surnames. [1]

Early Origins of the Pymblay family

The surname Pymblay was first found in Somerset where the family can be "traced to Philip Pym, of Brymmore, 12 Edward IV." [2] Indeed, there is much debate about the origin of this name. Another reference claims "considering that Eufemia is fairly common in the Hundredorum Rolls, that Pimme is feminine, and Phemie is still the nickname, it all but certain that we have here the solution of the name in question. Personally I have no doubt that this derivation is correct. " [1]

The Hundredorum Rolls of 1273 lists the following: Eufemmia de Neville in Lincolnshire; Katerina Eufemme in Norfolk; Pimme, widow of Peter Seman in Cumberland; Bartholomew filius Pimme in Hunts; Chun Pimme in Cambridge and finally, Henry Pimme in Cambridge. Later the Yorkshire Poll Tax Rolls of 1379, list Agnes Pyme and Johannes Pymson. [3]

In Somerset, Roger Pym was listed there 1 Edward III (during the first year of the reign of King Edward III) [4] "The family of John Pym, the regicide, were of respectable antiquity in Somersetshire, being traced to Philip Pym, of Brymmore, co. Somerset, 12. Edward IV. " [2]

Early History of the Pymblay family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Pymblay research. Another 130 words (9 lines of text) covering the years 1400, 1440, 1584, 1615, 1641, 1643, 1648, 1660, 1663 and 1671 are included under the topic Early Pymblay History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Pymblay Spelling Variations

One relatively recent invention that did much to standardize English spelling was the printing press. However, before its invention even the most literate people recorded their names according to sound rather than spelling. The spelling variations under which the name Pymblay has appeared include Pym, Pymm, Pyme, Pymme, Pim, Pimm, Pimme and others.

Early Notables of the Pymblay family

Distinguished members of the family include John Pym (1584-1643), English statesman from Bridgwater, Somerset who moved for the impeachment of advisers to Charles I; his actions led to the English Civil War; and Sir...
Another 33 words (2 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Pymblay Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Ireland Migration of the Pymblay family to Ireland

Some of the Pymblay family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt. More information about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Pymblay family

At this time, the shores of the New World beckoned many English families that felt that the social climate in England was oppressive and lacked opportunity for change. Thousands left England at great expense in ships that were overcrowded and full of disease. A great portion of these settlers never survived the journey and even a greater number arrived sick, starving, and without a penny. The survivors, however, were often greeted with greater opportunity than they could have experienced back home. These English settlers made significant contributions to those colonies that would eventually become the United States and Canada. An examination of early immigration records and passenger ship lists revealed that people bearing the name Pymblay arrived in North America very early: Henry Pym, who settled in Barbados in 1668; Mary Pym, who settled in Virginia in 1673; Richard Pymm, who settled in Barbados in 1667; Charles Pym, who arrived in New England in 1715.



  1. Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)
  2. Lower, Mark Anthony, Patronymica Britannica, A Dictionary of Family Names of the United Kingdom. London: John Russel Smith, 1860. Print.
  3. Bardsley, C.W, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames: With Special American Instances. Wiltshire: Heraldry Today, 1901. Print. (ISBN 0-900455-44-6)
  4. 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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