Under various forms, including Combo, Cumbau, and De Cumbis, we first see this surname documented in Malta in the Militia Roster of 1417. Perhaps from the Siculo-Greek kompos or kombos, meaning 'deceit' and referring to a swindler or trickster. An alternative origin may relate to the Sicilian cymba, a type of boat or skiffle. The heraldic device on this coat of arms may refer to another potential source for this surname, the Greek kumbos meaning 'knot, noose'.