Seccombe

Seccombe is an ancient English surname of Anglo-Saxon origin, deriving from the pre-7th century Old English personal name "Secg", meaning a man or warrior, combined with "cumb", meaning a valley. The name "Secg" was a popular given name in the early medieval period, and the addition of "cumb" denoted a settlement at the valley. This surname signifies a person residing in or near a valley.

History and Distribution

The Seccombe surname has been recorded in various forms throughout history, including Seccomb, Seccome, and Secombe. It is most commonly found in the South West of England, particularly in Devon and Somerset, where the family has long-standing roots. The Seccombe name has also spread to other parts of England and former British colonies.

Notable Individuals

Sir George Seccombe (1859-1913)

Sir George Seccombe was a British military officer, being commissioned as a lieutenant in the Royal Artillery in 1878. He served with distinction in various campaigns, including the Sudan Campaign and the Boer War, rising to the rank of Major-General before his death in 1913.

Harry Secombe (1921-2001)

Harry Secombe was a renowned Welsh comedian, actor, and singer. He was best known for his role in the radio comedy series "The Goon Show", where he displayed his exceptional vocal talents. Secombe was also a successful recording artist and appeared in various films and television shows.

Modern Usage

Today, the Seccombe surname continues to be borne by individuals around the world, maintaining a connection to its historic origins in England. It remains a relatively rare surname, reflecting the lineage of the families who have carried it across generations. The name Seccombe is a testament to the enduring legacy of English surnames and their significance in genealogical research and cultural heritage.

There are approximately 403 people named Seccombe in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around six in a million people in Britain are named Seccombe.

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Adam
  • Andrew
  • Anthony
  • Charles
  • Colin
  • David
  • Geoffrey
  • Glen
  • James
  • John
  • Mark
  • Martin
  • Paul
  • Peter

Female

  • Clare
  • Elizabeth
  • Emma
  • Gillian
  • Jane
  • Lisa
  • Margaret
  • Nicola
  • Patricia
  • Sarah

Similar and related surnames

Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.

BritishSurnames.uk is a Good Stuff website.