Surname Vowsden - Meaning and Origin
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Vowsden: What does the surname Vowsden mean?
The last name Vowsden is of Anglo-Saxon origin, derived from the Old English personal name Wulfhden, which was composed of the elements wulf (meaning "wolf") and denu (meaning "valley"). The name was most likely given to a person who lived near or in a valley full of wolves.
Variations of the name Vowsden include Waveden, Walfedon, Wolfeden, and Wolfedon. The surname Vowsden is of Norman origin, first brought to England by followers of William the Conqueror. Those with this surname can trace their ancestry back to Normandy, France in the 11th century.
Throughout history, the last name Vowsden has been associated with strength, power, and a knowledge of animal behavior. Some consider the name Vowsden is a sign of leadership and loyalty. Today, the name is found mainly in the southern English counties of Hampshire and Wiltshire, as well as in several countries around the world, including the United States, Canada, and New Zealand.
Although Vowsden is a comparatively rare name, it continues to be carried on by its many descendents throughout the world. For many, the effects of its Norman ancestry continue to this day as a legacy of strength, power, and loyalty.
Order DNA origin analysisVowsden: Where does the name Vowsden come from?
The last name Vowsden is most prevalent today in the United Kingdom. Its origination was among the Anglo-Saxon tribes in Britain. It is uncommon outside of the UK, but there are a few families now living in North America, Australia and New Zealand that can trace their ancestry back to Britain.
The name Vowsden derives from an Old English word, ‘foden’, which can be translated to mean ‘shepherd’ or ‘pasture-keeper’. This implies that the earliest Vowsdens were likely farmers or shepherds. There are many variants of the name, including Fowden, Van de Vosen and Vaux.
The distribution of the surname Vowsden is particularly concentrated around East Anglia in England, with Norfolk and Suffolk attaining the highest frequency of occurrences. This area has a long history of agricultural activity, making it highly likely that the Vowsden family’s farming roots began there.
Overall, the surname Vowsden is most prominent in the UK, and is gradually developing in other parts of the world due to family members who have emigrated over time.
Variations of the surname Vowsden
The surname Vowsden is a name of English origin. Variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin include Voudson (or Voudsen), Vowden(e), Vaudson, Vosden, Vowdson, Vowds, Vowdsen, Vowdene, and Voudsen.
Voudson (or Voudsen) is most likely the original spelling of the Vowsden surname and derived from the names Vaux or Veaux which were used as place-names in the English Midlands and Scotland, derived from the Middle English word ‘vawe’ meaning ‘enclosure’. Vowdsen is a variant which is found commonly in Scotland, Ireland, and America. Vowden(e) is a British variation commonly found in the south-east of England typically in the counties of Kent and Sussex. Vaudson is a variation found mainly in Lancashire, Yorkshire, and Cheshire. Vosden is a variant used throughout England and represents a distinct variation of the original spelling.
Vowdson, Vowds and Vowdene are all variations found in Scotland typically in the regions of Ayrshire, Dumfries, and Kirkcudbright. Vowdson is one of the most frequently used variations of the surname and typically found in the south-west of Scotland mainly in the Borders. Vowds is an American variation of the Vowsden surname and is most commonly found in the state of Illinois. Voudsen is a variant found throughout all the English regions of England and found in large numbers in the North West of England.
Famous people with the name Vowsden
- Al Vowsden: Al Vowsden was a rugby league player who represented the New Zealand Kiwi's in the late 1960s and early 1970s.
- Ryan Vowsden: Ryan Vowsden is a professional baseball player, currently in the Minor League Baseball system.
- Bill Vowsden: Bill Vowsden is a former professional Australian rules football player who was involved in the sport for over 40 years.
- Mike Vowsden: Mike Vowsden is a retired professional British cyclist who was a two-time Commonwealth Games gold medallist.
- Matt Vowsden: Matt Vowsden is an up-and-coming professional rugby league player from New Zealand.
- Steve Vowsden: Steve Vowsden is a musician from the United Kingdom who is known for his unique blend of rock, funk and soul.
- Johnny Vowsden: Johnny Vowsden was a professional boxer, who competed mainly in the featherweight division.
- Daniel Vowsden: Daniel Vowsden is a British professional basketball player, currently playing in the British Basketball League.
- Will Vowsden: Will Vowsden is an English actor, known for his roles in the films Dr. Strange and Guardians of the Galaxy.
- Peter Vowsden: Peter Vowsden is an Australian composer and producer who has worked on a range of movie scores, television soundtracks and gaming music.