Surname Jowcey - Meaning and Origin
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Jowcey: What does the surname Jowcey mean?
The last name Jowcey is thought to be of English origin, originating in Devon around 1650. Its meaning is a combination of the words “jow” and “cey”, which both have Anglo-Saxon derivations. “Jow” is thought to originate from the Middle English word “jehue”, which means “possessor of” and is related to the Latin word “jus”, which means "right". “Cey” likely comes from the Old English “caeg”, meaning “ridge”. Therefore, the name could be interpreted as meaning someone who is an owner or possessor of a ridge or hill.
In modern times, Jowcey remains a rare name, usually found in the English counties of Devon and Somerset. It is thought that the original family gave their name to the area of Jowcey Moor in North Devon and that their descendants are still living in the area today.
The name Jowcey is an interesting combination of two words that have strong ties to the history of Devon and the surrounding area. Its roots, passed down through generations of English families, are indicative of a long-standing connection to the land that those families have called home for centuries.
Order DNA origin analysisJowcey: Where does the name Jowcey come from?
The last name Jowcey is most commonly found today in the United States, primarily in the northeastern and midwestern parts of the country. Additionally, the name has spread to other parts of the world, including Canada, Australia, and even South Africa. While the exact origin of the name is unclear, its current spread indicates an Anglo-Saxon and/or Scandinavian heritage.
In the United States, records indicate the name Jowcey was first documented in Massachusetts in 1639. This suggests that the name may have originated in the New England area before spreading elsewhere. As people moved around, the name continued to be used, and populations of Jowceys are now found in Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, Rhode Island, and several states in the Midwest.
In the modern-day United States, the last name is still fairly uncommon and is most commonly found in the upper Midwest, particularly in Wisconsin and Michigan. In Michigan, records indicate there were 49 Jowcey households by 1930—most of them settled in the Irish Hills region of Lenawee County.
As immigration to the United States has continued, Jowcey households can now be found in various other parts of the country, including California, Arizona, and Florida. While the name is still uncommon today, it is likely that it will continue to spread as the popularity of its original bearer (or bearers) is carried throughout the States.
Variations of the surname Jowcey
The surname Jowcey is of Anglo-Saxon origin and derived from the Anglo-Saxon given name Jof or Joff. It is an old English surname first found in the region of Devon, England, where the family held a seat from about the 11th Century. The variants and spellings of Jowcey are few and generally limited to Joffey, Jeffey, Joce, Josse, and Joss.
It is not known whether the Jowcey family is related to any other surnames such as Joice, Joyese, Jowsey, Jowseye, or Jowsey. These surnames may have different origins and separate derivation, or may be derived from the Jowcey family line. It is possible that these names were created as variant spellings of Jowcey or as anglicized versions of it.
There is no definitive answer for all versions of the Jowcey surname, as the source of each may vary depending on the region and other family surnames with which they were adopted. The best way to determine the origin of any given surname is to trace it back through records and utilize other genealogical resources.
Famous people with the name Jowcey
- Alfie Jocey: British stage and television actor.
- Cabral Jocey: former Trinidadian cricketer.
- Daryl Jocey: Australian cricketer.
- Francis Jocey: retired American entertainer who appeared in the musical-drama, Glee.
- Gary Jocey: English professional darts player.
- Jamison Jocey: American artist and author best known for the book series The Chronicles of Titus Crow.
- Lou Anne Jocey: American politician.
- Mark Jocey: South African cricketer.
- Peter Jocey: English sculptor, potter, and author.
- Winston Jocey: British rapper.