WIDDICOMBE
Widdicombe
Widdicombe is an English surname of Devon origins, specifically associated with the village of Widecombe-in-the-Moor located in the Dartmoor National Park. The name is derived from the Old English word "widig" meaning "willow" or "willow tree" and "cumb" meaning "valley". Over time, "widig" transformed into "widdi" and eventually became "Widdicombe".
The earliest recorded instances of the name trace back to the 13th century in the Devon region, suggesting that the Widdicombe family has roots firmly embedded in the local history and community. The surname has also spread to other parts of the United Kingdom and beyond, following patterns of migration and settlement.
Individuals bearing the surname Widdicombe have made notable contributions in various fields, including academia, the arts, and politics. Notably, Anne Widdicombe, a prominent Conservative politician, served as a Member of Parliament in the UK and held several ministerial positions during her career.
Today, the surname Widdicombe continues to be passed down through generations, connecting modern descendants to their historical lineage and the picturesque village that inspired the name's origin. The prevalence and distribution of the surname across different regions underscore its enduring legacy and the diverse paths taken by various branches of the Widdicombe family.
There are approximately 365 people named Widdicombe in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around six in a million people in Britain are named Widdicombe.
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- Adrian
- Andrew
- Anthony
- David
- John
- Len
- Martin
- Matthew
- Nigel
- Paul
- Peter
- Robert
- Tom
Female
- Carol
- Dawn
- Dorothy
- Helen
- Jane
- Janet
- Julie
- June
- Margaret
- Mary
- Michelle
- Sarah
- Susan