Surname Comber - Meaning and Origin
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Comber: What does the surname Comber mean?
The surname Comber is of English origin and belongs to the category of occupational surnames. It is derived from the Old English term "cambere," which translates to "comber." This was a term used to denote someone who combed wool, which was a crucial step in the process of turning raw wool into useable textile material. The term eventually converted into the surname Comber, denoted for families or individuals who were engaged in the occupation of wool combing. It is also possible that Comber is a geographical surname derived from a location with the same or similar name. As with many surnames, one's family may have acquired it due to geographical location or an ancestor's occupation. It is also interesting to note that variations of this surname include Comber, Commer, and Comberer.
Order DNA origin analysisComber: Where does the name Comber come from?
The surname Comber is of Anglo-Saxon origin, derived from the occupation of the original bearers of this name. It is an occupational name for a comber, which was originally one who carded wool, a critical step in the process of turning raw wool into usable thread and fabric. The name comes from the Old English word "cambere," which means "comber."
The surname first appeared in records in the early 13th century in the English county of Devon. Throughout history, the name spread throughout England and then onto places where British migrated, including colonies in North America, Australia, and New Zealand.
Today, it remains most common in England, mainly in the Devon area where it originated. Even within England, it is only the 18,089th most common surname, making it quite rare overall. In particular, the towns of Dawlish, Hatherleigh, and Totnes in Devon have a larger percentage of Combers than any other place in the world. The name is not particularly common in North America or other areas of the world, but it is found there, reflecting the history of British colonization and emigration.
Variations of the surname Comber
The surname Comber has a variety of spellings and variants including Coomber, Comer, Coomer, Cummer, Koumber, Combar, Kumber, Combre, and Coambre. These spellings illustrate how names can be altered over centuries due to the phonetic interpretations of the original spelling. The surname is of English origin and was originally given to individuals in the medieval era who were combers by trade, meaning they were responsible for 'combing' raw wool or flax. By doing so, they would separate the valuable fibers from the unusable material.
There are also surnames that are likely related to "Comber" that arose through family migrations and cultural nuances, such as the German surname Kammer and the Dutch surname Kammer, which also points back to a similar profession. Similarly, the Scottish surname “Comyn” or “Cumin” could be a derivation from Comber. However, relationships between these surnames should be validated by genealogical research or DNA analysis.
Please note that surname variations can also be influenced by regional dialects, literacy rates (e.g., phonetic spelling by individuals not highly literate), and transcription errors in historical records.
Famous people with the name Comber
- Joe Comber: television presenter, actor, comedian and writer from the United Kingdom.
- Jorja Comber: British actress.
- Nigel Comber: British fashion photographer.
- Brandi Comber: American country music singer-songwriter.
- Owen Comber: British actor.
- Latitia Comber: British television presenter of Countdown at the Channel 4.
- Richard Comber: British actor.
- Steve Comber: English professional footballer and coach.
- Utah Comber: British show jumper.
- Rose Comber: British theatre director.