Welcome

This site contains information regarding the activities and research of the Blincowe Families' Association.

The Meaning of Our Surname

by Helen Simpson (1922-2009)

Blencow or Blincoe is a place name acquired from having once lived near or at Blencow, a township consisting of two small villages in the Parish of Greystoke in Cumberland County, England.

Adam de Blencowe was on the Cumberland Subsidy Rolls as early as 1332. He is the earliest Blencowe of record found to date. Over the centuries, the spelling of the Blencowe name has changed somewhat although the hereditary lines in England retain the original spelling.

The earliest known immigrant to America was JAMES BLINCOE who came to Maryland in 1672. Many of his descendant lines have been traced. The BLINCOWS of America are generally descended from WILLIAM BLINCOW who came in 1872. The BLENKO line descended from WILLIAM JOHN BLENKO, who founded Blenko Glass Company in West Virginia in early 1800's.

The BLENCOWE FAMILIES' ASSOCIATION maintains a database and publishes a quarterly newsletter. Reunions are held every other year. In 2010 it was at Blencow Hall, Penrith, Great Britain.