Surname Bowton - Meaning and Origin
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Bowton: What does the surname Bowton mean?
The surname Bowton is of English origin, and is believed to be a habitational name, derived from a place name. It is thought to be a topographical name derived from the Old English words 'bill', meaning brow, and 'tun', meaning settlement or homestead. This place name likely denoted someone who lived on or near a hill or slope, often serving as elevated land in relation to neighboring areas. It may also be a derivation of the Old English personal name 'Boite', and could alternatively mean someone who was a dweller of a village or homestead in a rolling or curved landscape.
Bowton is a uncommon surname, with few records of its use globally. In England, the surname has been found mostly in the regions of Norfolk and Suffolk, while there have been incidences of its use in the US, notably in Pennsylvania and Virginia. Records of its use in Canada, South Africa and Australia have also been found, suggesting a passage around the world during the 19th and 20th centuries.
The Bowton surname now has several variants, including Bolton and Bowden, and may be linked to the Boleyn family, as the Bowton variation appears in some documents. There is limited research into the origin of the surname, making assessment of its meaning difficult. However, the generally accepted meaning is that of a dweller on the brow of a hill or near rolling terrain.
Order DNA origin analysisBowton: Where does the name Bowton come from?
The last name Bowton is most likely to be found in the United Kingdom. The UK currently has the second-highest population of Bowtons worldwide, although this has decreased from the 8th highest in the early 2000s. Bowton places of origin are usually mentioned in records held by the National Archives of the UK and Ireland, though it is difficult to determine which region they first settled in.
Bowton is a British surname of Norman origin, so it is most likely that the name was first found in the south of England. Places in Hampshire, Wiltshire, and Devon have a large number of Bowtons recorded, and these counties could well be the original locus of the name.
In recent generations, the Bowton name has spread throughout the United Kingdom, with many people bearing the name emigrating to Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. Families with the Bowton name have also diversified across the United Kingdom, with some nameholders moving to other countries in the wider British Isles.
Today, the last name Bowton remains common in the United Kingdom, but is also found in many countries around the world, with many families bearing the name found in the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
Variations of the surname Bowton
Bowton is an English surname derived from middle English as ‘boite’, which refers to a dwelling place or location. Spelling variants of the name include Bowten, Boughton, Botton, Bolton, Boltun, Bougton and Bowtan. Historically, there have been a number of variations in the spelling of the Bowton surname that can be attributed to its regionalism and phonetic transcription into various languages.
The most common spellings of the Bowton surname are Bolton and Boughton. Bolton is found primarily in Lancashire, while Boughton is recorded more often in Somerset. Bolton is also found in Scotland, Ireland, and North America.
Surnames with similar origins to Bowton include Bowker, Bowles, Bowmer, Bowne and Bowed. Bowker is derived from 'boecer' which suggests the trade of baking. Bowles is derived from 'boll' which implies 'a large metal bowl'. Bowmer is derived from 'bohhelmere' which suggests 'a helmet maker'. Bowne is derived from 'bohun' which indicates that the original holder of this name was a 'boon' or serf who was subject to feudal land regulations. Bowed is derived from 'boga' which implies 'a bowman or archer'.
In some instances, duplication of surnames was caused by the heavy migration of people during the era of colonization when families moved from the British Isles to other parts of the world. This explains why variations of Bowton are found in Australia and Canada as well as in the United Kingdom.
Famous people with the name Bowton
- Gary Bowton: Gary Bowton is an English football coach and former professional player who is currently the head of player recruitment at Doncaster Rovers.
- Thurlow Bowton: Thurlow Bowton was a British actor and author of the mid-20th century who starred in several films, including The Four Feathers, The Red Shoes, and Sweet Smell of Success.
- Florence Bowton: Florence Bowton is the grand-daughter of Florence Beatrice Dootson, a pioneering trader and philanthropist from Manchester. She is an NHS manager, Board of Director of a charity and Advisory Council member of the Institute for Sustainability.
- Riley Bowton: Riley Bowton is a YouTube star with over 4 million subscribers on the platform. He is known for his unique content focused around lifestyle and humor.
- Vanibe Bowton: Vanibe Bowton is a Brazilian model who won the “Miss Bumbum 2010” contest. She is now a successful television presenter and fashionista.
- Beatrice Bowton: Beatrice Bowton is a British music producer, remixer and singer. She has worked with several well-known artists, including Marsha Ambrosius, Da Brat, and Craig David.
- Caroline Bowton: Caroline Bowton is an English author and television presenter. She hosts a variety of non-fiction, lifestyle, and parenting programs for the BBC.
- Tina Bowton: Tina Bowton is the UK's first eating disorder life coach. She is dedicated to helping people with eating disorders reclaim their health and happiness.
- Adam Bowton: Adam Bowton is a British record producer and sound engineer who has worked with the likes of Coldplay, Elbow, and Razorlight.
- David Bowton: David Bowton is an Australian computer security expert and the CEO of a boutique consultancy. With over 15 years' experience, he has provided advice and guidance to international firms and governments.