Surname Coombe - Meaning and Origin

Coombe: What does the surname Coombe mean?

The last name Coombe is an English surname. It is believed to be derived from the anglo saxon word 'cumb' meaning a small valley. In some instances the name is derived from the old english word 'coumbe', which means valley. Alternatively, it could mean a 'dweller by a small valley' or one who lived on the brim of a deep valley. One of the earliest records of the name appears in the 1166 Pipe Rolls of Kent, listed as 'Robyn de Comba'. In the 16th century, the Coombe name spread across England, particularly in the counties of Devon, Somerset, and Cornwall.

Today, the Coombe name is still prevalent in the UK, albeit less so in the US where it has seen minor usage since the late 19th century. Other variations of the name include Coombs and Comb, with Comb being most frequent in Devon and Somerset. The Coombe surname applies to a variety of professions and occupations, such as farmers, shopkeepers, teachers, and tailors. It is also evident in prominent sports figures, such as rugby player Jeff Coombe and welterweight boxer Gary Coombe.

Overall, the last name Coombe is a strong, traditional English name that is still used in the present day. The word 'cumb' depicting a small valley, which speaks of a strong connection to the earth, is an interesting thought in relation to this surname. It is also indicative of past and present people of the Coombe family who have accommodated and endured life's curves, left their mark and contributions over the years and create legacies for the next generation.

Coombe: Where does the name Coombe come from?

The last name Coombe is generally considered to be an English surname. It is most commonly found in the South West, particularly Devon, Cornwall, and Somerset. It is also found scattered across other parts of England and in some cases Scotland and Wales.

The name comes from the Old English word “cumbe”, meaning a narrow valley. It is likely that when surnames first started to be used, anyone who lived in such a valley would have adopted the surname “Coombe” as a signifier of their home.

Today, the name Coombe can be found in church registers, newspaper articles, and other records of people living in various locations across the UK. It is still a relatively common name in the South West, particularly in Devon and Cornwall, with many of the highest density of Coombe's living around the Exeter area.

In recent years, the name has spread to other parts of the UK, particularly London and the North and West Midlands. The increase in mobility, both within and to and from the UK, has meant that more people are taking the Coombe name with them to new corners of the country, allowing its use to become more widespread.

The Coombe name is one of the oldest in the UK and continues to be used widely today. With a history dating back to over 1000 years, it is likely that generations of Coombe's will continue to live all over the UK and beyond.

Variations of the surname Coombe

The surname Coombe, also commonly spelled Combe, is an English and Irish name of toponymic origin. It derives from the Middle English and Old English cumb, which is a term for a small valley or ravine. In England, Coombe is most commonly found in the area of Devon and Cornwall while in Ireland, Combe is concentrated mainly in Cork and Kerry.

Variations in spelling include Coombe, Combe, Coomb, Coombs, Combs, de Coombe and de Combe. While the former two are likely to be derived from the same source, the other versions have alternative origins. Coomb and Coombs come from the Cahcums, an Anglo-Saxon clan that lived in Dorset in the 11th century. The spelling Combs is likely to be derived from the Norman French word combes meaning a ravine or a steep valley. De Coombe and de Combe are patronymic surnames, meaning they came from the father’s first name, indicating that an early ancestor was the son of a man named Coombe or Combe.

In the United States, the surname is mostly found in states along the east coast, as well as Iowa, Nebraska, and Minnesota.

Finally, it is worth mentioning that there may be more than one origin of the name. For example, in the Scottish Lowlands, Combs may be derived from an Olde English personal name, Cubba.

Famous people with the name Coombe

• Lord Richard Coombe: British life peer created in 2017.
• Chris Coombe: Country rock singer.
• Prof. Henrique Coombe: Professor of political science at the Federal University of Paraná in Brazil.
• William Coombe: 18th century English architect.
• Isabelle Coombe: Former British Member of Parliament.
• Dr. Arthur Coombe: world-renowned surgeon and medical professor.
• Sir Tony Coombe: British former journalist and press advisor.
• Alan Coombe: British actor known for his roles in EastEnders and Hustle.
• Hester Coombe: British author and suffragette.
• John Coombe: British film director.

Other surnames

CoombCoombesCoombs