This name is of English locational origin from a place in Somerset now called Bittiscombe but first recorded as Biteles - Cumba in the 1180 Pipe Rolls of that county. The name derives from an Olde English personal name Bitel, plus 'cumb' a short, straight valley. Hence, 'Bitel's valley'. The surname from this source is first recorded in the latter half of the 12th century (see below). One Stephen de Bitelescumbe appears in the Hundred Rolls of Somerset dated 1273 and a Robert de Biteliscombe in 'Kirby's Quest' in 1327. The name is well recorded in Somerset Church Registers for the early 17th century on. One Richard Bidlecombe was christened in Wincanton on May 10th 1636 and on May 28th 1708 the marriage of one Clement Biddlecomb and a Jane Hooper is recorded at Holcomb. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of Galopin de (of) Bitelescumba. which was dated 1180 The Pipe Rolls of Somerset. during the reign of King Henry II 'The Builder of Churches' 1154-1189. Surnames became necessary when governments introduced personal taxation. In England this was known as Poll Tax. Throughout the centuries, surnames in every country have continued to "develop" often leading to astonishing variants of the original spelling.