Last Name Slocombe

The surname Slocombe is of English origin and is derived from a place name, specifically Slaughtercombe, which is located in Devon, England. The name is believed to have been derived from the Old English words "slaugh" meaning "slaughter" or "bloodshed," and "cumb" meaning "valley." The name was likely given as a means of identification for someone who lived in this valley associated with bloodshed or battle. As with many surnames, it evolved over time from its original form into the modern spelling of Slocombe.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Slocombe

The meaning and origin of the last name Slocombe

The surname Slocombe is of English origin, derived from a place name, specifically a village located in the county of Somerset. The original form of the place name was Slocoomb or Slocombe, which meant 'Sloka's homestead or farm'. The name Sloka is believed to be of Old English origin and is composed of the elements "sloc," meaning muddy or marshy, and "-a" indicating a feminine personal name. As a surname, Slocombe first appeared in records during the late Middle Ages, with variations such as Slocombe and Slokombe also occurring due to scribal errors and regional dialects. The name is relatively uncommon today but has been carried by notable figures such as the English actor David Slocombe and American actress Lisa Slocombe.

Geographical distribution of the last name Slocombe

The surname Slocombe is predominantly found in England, particularly in the counties of Norfolk, Suffolk, and Essex, which suggests an origin from the eastern regions of the country. Historically, it is believed to be derived from places named Sloughborough or Slaughterbourne in these areas. Over time, variations such as Slocomb, Sloomb, Slocumbe, and Slackombe have emerged due to spelling variations during different historical periods. The name has also spread to other English-speaking countries through emigration, with significant populations found in the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. In the United States, the highest concentrations are in states such as Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maine, and Vermont, likely due to early settlement by English immigrants.

Variants and spellings of the last name Slocombe

The surname Slocombe has several variations and spellings due to historical transcription errors, regional dialects, and family preference. Some common variants include Slacomb, Slocomb, Slacombe, Slackombe, Slowcombe, Sleacomb, Slokombe, and Slockombe. These variations may originate from different geographical locations or from changes in the pronunciation and spelling of the name over time. Additionally, there may be alternative spellings that are less common, such as Slacomber, Slocumby, and Slakombe. It is essential to note that these variants do not indicate different family lineages but rather differences in how the name has been transcribed or spelled by various scribes throughout history.

Famous people with the last name Slocombe

Notable individuals with the surname Slocombe include John Slocombe, an English architect known for his work on the British Library and the Scottish Parliament building. In the realm of entertainment, Denis Slocombe is a French photographer who has worked with notable directors such as François Truffaut, Ingmar Bergman, and Martin Scorsese. On the other hand, John Slocombe, an English comedian, was a regular on British television shows like The Two Ronnies and Not the Nine O'Clock News during the 1970s and 1980s. Lastly, Sir Andrew Slocombe is a British judge who served as the President of the Queen's Bench Division in England and Wales from 2005 to 2013. These individuals have made significant contributions in their respective fields.

Genealogical research on the last name Slocombe

The surname Slocombe is believed to have originated from the English county of Somerset, specifically around the town of Ilminster. It's derived from the Old English "slocc" meaning "muddy place" and "ham" meaning homestead or village. This name was a topographic surname denoting residence near a muddy area or marshy ground. The earliest record of the name dates back to the 13th century in the Pipe Rolls of Somerset, where John de Slokembe is mentioned.

During the medieval period, many Slocombes emigrated from England to other countries, particularly to America. Some notable figures with this surname include Richard Slocombe, an English physician who was one of the first to describe the symptoms of scurvy in sailors during the 17th century, and Benjamin Slocum, an American naval officer and shipbuilder who served during the Civil War.

Today, the Slocombes are found primarily in England, America, Canada, Australia, and South Africa, reflecting the dispersal of this surname over time due to historical events such as the Norman Conquest and colonization.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Slocombe"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 28 July 2025

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