Surname de Bowes - Meaning and Origin
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de Bowes: What does the surname de Bowes mean?
The surname "de Bowes" is of French origin, derived from the area of Boues in France. The prefix "de" in French is indicative of "from", suggesting that the person with this last name or their ancestors originally came from Boues. Over time, the pronunciation and spelling of the surname likely evolved into "de Bowes" after the family migrated to English-speaking regions. Like many surnames, it essentially narrates geographical ancestry. However, there is not a universally accepted meaning of "Bowes" after its literal translation from French. In the case of many surnames, the meaning can vary based on regional dialects and historical contexts. In general, it affirms that surnames, derived from places, occupations, nicknames or patriarchal/matriarchal lineage, typically functioned as a means of identification in historical times.
Order DNA origin analysisde Bowes: Where does the name de Bowes come from?
The surname de Bowes is of Norman French origin. Originating from the ancient region of Boischaut in France, it was brought to England by followers of William the Conqueror during the Norman Conquest in the 11th Century. Once established in England, some branches of the family became Bowes, De Bues, or Bowis, while others remained de Bowes. Some individuals with the surname may also descend from the village of Bowes in County Durham, England.
The name is mentioned several times in ancient English documents and rolls, often related to landed gentry. The most famous bearer of the name is probably Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon, better known as the Queen Mother, who was the wife of King George VI and the mother of Queen Elizabeth II.
The surname is not very common today but can be found in various forms around the world, especially in countries with historical ties to England such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and South Africa. It remains somewhat more frequent in the United Kingdom, particularly in regions with historic links to the original de Bowes families.
Variations of the surname de Bowes
The surname de Bowes is of Norman origin and may have variations in spelling and pronunciation. Some of these variants include De Bows, DeBow, De Boes, Bowes, Boas, Bowse, Boose, and de Bouse.
In some instances, the "de" may be dropped, resulting in names such as Bowes or Bowse. Alternatively, it could also be replaced with "of," similar to "of Bowes." It is also possible that the original spelling could have changed over time due to regional accents or misspellings in historical records, leading to versions like Bouse, Boase, or even Bose.
The surname Bowes can be traced back to the Bowes of Streatham and Streatlam Castle lineage. Notable persons with this surname include Sir Adam Bowes, Sheriff of Yorkshire in 1322, and Sir William Bowes, Sheriff of Northumberland in 1463.
In certain circumstances, the surname could also originate from the place Bowes in County Durham, England. A variant could be “de” followed by the name of this settlement, which could produce "de Bowes".
The surname Bowes is also related to the Scottish clans, such as Clan Johnstone and Clan Douglas, who bear variations of this name. Some of these variations may include Boswell, Boschell, or Buswell.
Famous people with the name de Bowes
- Raymond de Bowes (1883-1967), French actor known for Monsieur le Directeur (1928).
- David de Bowes (19th century), sculptor active in Maitland, New South Wales in Australia.
- Jean de Bowes (1758–1791), French composer and orchestral director.
- Thomas de Bowes (1748-1839), British admiral.
- Robert de Bowes (14th century) influential magnate during the course of Edward III's reign as King of England.
- John de Bowes (1491-1564), English abbot of Monkwearmouth and Jarrow.
- Elizabeth de Bowes (1784-1856), known for her charitable organisations in Scotland and for saving Coquet Island from destruction.
- Agathe de Bowes (1846–1921), Baroness of the manor of Langleybury in Hertfordshire.
- James de Bowes (1848-1914), British Liberal Party politician.
- Francis de Boues (1721-1795), French engraver, printseller and publisher.