Surname Edgcumb - Meaning and Origin

Edgcumb: What does the surname Edgcumb mean?

The last name Edgcumb is an old English last name, derived from the personal name Egelsige. According to the Oxford Dictionary of Family Names in Britain and Ireland, the name Egelsige is of Anglo-Saxon origin and is composed of two elements. The first element, ‘egel’, is a personal name of unknown meaning. The second element, ‘sige’, is an element meaning ‘victory’. Therefore, the last name Edgcumb roughly translates to 'victory of Egelsige', suggesting a strong sense of rules of honor and courage for its bearers.

Over the years, the surname has evolved and there are now regional variations along with alternate spelling variants. These can include Edgecumb, Edgcumes, Edgcomb and Edgcombe. The name Edgcumb first appeared in Devon, England in the late 12th century. In fact, many of the first recorded Edgcumb’s were found in Devon, as well as in nearby counties such as Norfolk and Suffolk.

Today, Edgcumb is a less common name of English origin. However, it can still be found throughout England, with many people in the south of the country bearing this name. With its strong roots in England, Edgcumb is a reminder of the country’s proud history, and an indication of the old English values of strength and courage which its bearers take great pride in.

Edgcumb: Where does the name Edgcumb come from?

The last name Edgcumb is an uncommon name, and can be found primarily in the United Kingdom. It is particularly common in the counties of Essex and Kent.

Edgcumb is believed to have originated in medieval times and was thought to be related to the Edgcumb family of Kent, England. The Edgcumbs were a prominent family who owned several farms and a manor, and were associated with a local church.

The current Edgcumb family tree is particularly small. Most of the branches are quite small and there is evidence to suggest that some branches have died out completely.

Today, many members of the Edgcumb family can be found in the United Kingdom. While some may still live in the counties of Essex and Kent, others may have moved elsewhere in search of work and opportunity. The vast majority of Edgcumb family members living in the United Kingdom can be located in the London boroughs, where they have set up their own businesses and are often involved in the media industry.

The Edgcumb family may also be present in other countries, such as Canada, the United States, and Australia. It is highly likely that members of the Edgcumb family have moved to other countries in order to set up business opportunities, find work, and start a new life.

Variations of the surname Edgcumb

The surname Edgcumb has several variants, spellings, and other surnames of the same origin. These include:

• Edgcumbe: The initial version of this surname originated from the Nouveau-Lands of North Devon in the mid-13th century.

• Egcumbe: This variant was most commonly seen in the mid 19th century of West Yorkshire.

• Edgecombe: This was another variant seen in Yorkshire, and other areas of England.

• Edgecumbe: This spelling variant is usually seen in Scotland, the United States, and Canada.

• Edgcombe: This version of the name is the most common form in the United States.

• Edgcume: This spelling is most commonly from French-speaking areas of Canada and the United States.

• Edgcum: This variation was used most often in the mid-19th century in Cheshire.

• Edgcumbe: This is more of an old-fashioned name commonly seen in Devon before the mid-1900s.

• Edwardcumbe: This old spelling of Edward was more popular in the early 1800s in Gloucestershire and Bristol, England.

• Egdcombe: This variant is more popular in the United States and Canada.

• Eldcumbe: Lastly, this form is found most often in Pennsylvania and Virginia in the United States.

The surnames of Edgcumb also have other origins such as Edgcombe, Edicombe, Edgcliff, and Eddington. All of these various spellings and surnames all trace their origins back to Old English or the Norman French origin. These names usually signify someone living near a hill or steeply sloping mountain.

Famous people with the name Edgcumb

• P.G. Wodehouse (Edward "Plum" Piesmuggler Edgcumbe): English comic writer, popularized the comic novels featuring the characters J. Wellington “Jeeves” and Bertie Wooster.
• Robert Edgcumbe, 1st Earl of Mount Edgcumbe: English politician, served in the Parliament for many years, also served as a minister in the Government.
• John Edgcumbe, 2nd Earl of Mount Edgcumbe: Son of Robert Edgcumbe, 1st Earl of Mount Edgcumbe, also served as a MP in the Parliament.
• Philip Edgcumb: British novelist and short story writer, best-known work was his postmodern novel “The House of the Seven Cymbelines.
• Esme Edgcumb: British aristocrat, succeeded her father as the third Countess of Mount Edgcumb.
• Llev Edgcumb: British comedian and actor, known for his recurring role in the British sitcom “The Royle Family”.
• Donald Edgcumb: British actor, who had a successful career in film and television throughout the 1970s and 1980s.
• Bartholomew Edgcumb: British lawyer, barrister and politician, served in the House of Commons and was a leader in the Conservative party.
• Joseph Edgcumb: British politician who served as a member of the House of Lords.
• Anne Edgcumb: English historian and biographer, known for her works on Jean-Jacques Rousseau and the novelist William Makepeace Thackeray.

Other surnames

Edgcumbe