ANSCOMBE
Anscombe
Anscombe is an English surname of Norman origin that can be traced back to the Old French name “Hanscombe”, meaning "dweller by the stone ridge". The surname is first recorded in England in the 12th century, following the Norman Conquest of 1066.
History and Origin
The Anscombe surname is most commonly found in the southern counties of England, particularly in the regions of Sussex, Kent, and Surrey. It is believed that the Anscombe family originally settled in these areas and later spread to other parts of the country.
Notable Figures
One of the most prominent figures with the surname Anscombe is the philosopher Elizabeth Anscombe (1919–2001). Born in Limerick, Ireland, but raised in England, Elizabeth Anscombe was a leading figure in analytic philosophy. She made significant contributions to the fields of ethics, philosophy of mind, and the philosophy of action.
Variants
Over the centuries, the Anscombe surname has undergone various spelling variations, including Anscomb and Hamscombe. These variations may reflect regional accents or clerical errors in historical records.
Legacy
The Anscombe surname continues to be borne by individuals across the United Kingdom and in various other parts of the world through migration and diaspora. It remains a distinctive and historically rich name that represents a connection to England’s medieval past.
References
- Hanks, P., Coates, R., & McClure, P. (2016). The Oxford Dictionary of Family Names in Britain and Ireland. Oxford University Press.
There are approximately 1,060 people named Anscombe in the UK. That makes it roughly the 7,057th most common surname in Britain. Around 16 in a million people in Britain are named Anscombe.
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- Anthony
- Ben
- Christopher
- David
- James
- John
- Michael
- Paul
- Richard
- Robert
- Simon
- Stephen
Female
- Barbara
- Carol
- Elizabeth
- Jane
- Joan
- Joanne
- Joyce
- Karen
- Lucy
- Sarah
- Susan