This is an Olde English locational name from the Durham area and is recorded in the Saxon Rolls of 1256 as 'Ediscum'. The name translates as 'the dweller at the grazing ground (edisc) in the valley (cwm or combe)'. The name is rare but is typical of locational names in that it was given when the original name holder(s) moved to another area, a system which also allowed different spellings to arise. In this case the alternative spellings include: Escolme, Escombe and Eskholme all recorded in London c. 1650-1680. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of Thomas Escomb which was dated 1658 (Baptised) at Stepney, London. during the reign of Oliver Cromwell, The Lord Protector 1649-1658 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.