Show ContentsColumbine History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Etymology of Columbine

What does the name Columbine mean?

The name Columbine is tied to the ancient Anglo-Saxon culture of England. It comes from the baptismal name Columbine which means dove. 1

Early Origins of the Columbine family

The surname Columbine was first found in Norfolk, where Peter Colombine, Norwich was recorded in 1739. Later, Paul Columbine was rector of Thurlton, Norfolk. 2

Early History of the Columbine family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Columbine research. Another 86 words (6 lines of text) covering the years 1275, 1625, 1708, 1739, 1740 and 1757 are included under the topic Early Columbine History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Columbine Spelling Variations

Only recently has spelling become standardized in the English language. As the English language evolved in the Middle Ages, the spelling of names changed also. The name Columbine has undergone many spelling variations, including Columbine, Cullumbine, Cullabine, Cullebene, Collenbine, Colombine, Clonbine and many more.

Early Notables of the Columbine family

Distinguished members of the family include

  • Paul Columbine, a 18th century rector of Thurlton in Norfolk

Migration of the Columbine family

To escape the unstable social climate in England of this time, many families boarded ships for the New World with the hope of finding land, opportunity, and greater religious and political freedom. Although the voyages were expensive, crowded, and difficult, those families that arrived often found greater opportunities and freedoms than they could have experienced at home. Many of those families went on to make significant contributions to the rapidly developing colonies in which they settled. Early North American records indicate many people bearing the name Columbine were among those contributors: Richard Cullumbine who arrived in Virginia in 1635.



The Columbine Motto +

The motto was originally a war cry or slogan. Mottoes first began to be shown with arms in the 14th and 15th centuries, but were not in general use until the 17th century. Thus the oldest coats of arms generally do not include a motto. Mottoes seldom form part of the grant of arms: Under most heraldic authorities, a motto is an optional component of the coat of arms, and can be added to or changed at will; many families have chosen not to display a motto.

Motto: Audaces fortuna juvat
Motto Translation: Fortune favours the bold.


  1. Bardsley, C.W, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames: With Special American Instances. Wiltshire: Heraldry Today, 1901. Print. (ISBN 0-900455-44-6)
  2. Rye, Walter, A History of Norfolk. London: Elliot Stock, 62, Paternoster Row, 1885. Print


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