Surname Bowne - Meaning and Origin

Bowne: What does the surname Bowne mean?

The surname Bowne is of Anglo-Saxon origin and is thought to have first originated in Staffordshire, England. The name Bowne is derived from the Old English term "bune," which means "reed" or "tub," implying that the original bearers of the surname may have been involved in making vessels such as barrels, or that they lived in an area abundant with reeds. This locational or occupational surname is common in countries where English is spoken, with several variations depending on the region.

There are also historical records of Bowne being a habitational name from a place in Cumbria, named Bowness, derived from Old Norse "bogi" or "bow" (a bend in a river or arm of the sea) and "nes" (a headland). This surname has many spelling variations including Bown, Bowne, Bowness, and others.

The Bowne family motto is "Ad metam," which translates from Latin to "To the mark", indicating determination and purposefulness. Among the notable individuals with this surname are Robert Bowne, a philanthropist and businessman, and his descendant Mary Bowne, who captured history by defying a 1662 law requiring Quakers to take an oath, which is against their religion.

Notably, Bowne has a significant presence in the United States due to the early settlers, and Bowne Street in Flushing, New York is named after this family.

Bowne: Where does the name Bowne come from?

The surname Bowne has English origins, specifically from Northern England. The name is derived from the Middle English term 'bown', meaning 'prepared' or 'ready'. It was typically used as a nickname for someone who is ready to act or an eager person.

The spelling variants of the surname include Bown, Bowan, Bowen, and many others. The name's first recorded spelling was during the reign of King Henry III, in the "Subsidy Rolls of Yorkshire", dated around 1260, where Adam le Bon was listed.

In terms of its current prevalence, Bowne is quite rare compared to other surnames. In the United States, there is a considerable frequency of Bowne, especially in New Jersey, given its historical connection to the Bowne family who were early colonists. The Bowne House in the borough of Queens, New York, is one of the oldest houses in the state, originally built by John Bowne in 1661. The house today stands as a museum promoting the concept of freedom of religion as advocated by the owner John Bowne, making it an important part of American history linked to this rare surname.

Variations of the surname Bowne

The Bowne surname has a few variations and similar surnames which may have the same origin. Variations include Bowin, Bowing, Bowning, and Bown. It could also be spelled as Boon or Boone, with 'e' added at the end.

Other variations might be attributable to regional twangs and dialects, changes over time, or even record-keeping errors. There is also a possibility of it being Anglicized from a similar-sounding name of different origin.

The Bowne surname is thought to have originated from the Anglo-Saxon tribe in Britain, derived from an Old English personal name, Buna, which could explain some of the variants.

Surnames connected with Bowne in history would be the ones belonging to the descendants of John Bowne, who was famous for his contribution to the freedom of religion in America, such as the Feake, Bloodgood, Parshall names.

In terms of these surnames often being of the same geographical region, it would be good to keep in mind Buckinghamshire and Yorkshire, or even America, where the Bowne family established themselves early in immigration history.

It's always best to conduct individual genealogical research to accurately trace family history, as this information is general.

Famous people with the name Bowne

• Walter Bowne: A well-known American playwright, essayist, and teacher who rose to fame in the late 20th century.
• Robert Bowne: A philanthropist who was known prominently in 19th-century New York City. The Robert Bowne Foundation, created in his honor, supports literacy programs for young people.
• Charles Rufus Bowne: Was an influential religious philosopher and founder of Bowne Hall at Syracuse University.
• William J. Bowne: Served as a member of the Wisconsin State Assembly. While the Bowne surname may not be immediately recognizable like Churchill or Einstein, those who bear the Bowne name have made significant contributions to literature, philanthropy, religion, and politics. The Bowne family, with its English origins dating back to the 17th century, has seen numerous individuals who have made a noteworthy impact and continue to be remembered in their respective fields.

Other surnames

Bown