Surname Jowssey - Meaning and Origin

Jowssey: What does the surname Jowssey mean?

The last name Jowssey is of English origin. It is derived from the Old English personal name “Iawurd” and the Old English byname “sei” which means “by the furrow”. This byname was given to a person who lived or worked near a furrow or trench.

The origin of the name Jowssey can be traced back to the Middle Ages in England. During that time, English surnames were formed when a person was given an identifying name based on their occupation, location, or personal characteristics. In this case, Jowssey was most likely given to a person or family living near a furrow or trench.

The Jowssey surname is less common today, but still exists in some parts of England. The name itself has a pleasant ring to it and can be an interesting choice for potential baby names. As a surname, the Jowssey name carries with it a sense of loyalty and hard work, since it was likely given to someone who worked a land that was not their own. Additionally, it is likely that anyone with the Jowssey surname belongs to an old British family.

Jowssey: Where does the name Jowssey come from?

Today, the last name Jowssey is still quite common in the United Kingdom. According to the 2020 United Kingdom Census, Jowssey is the 290th most common surname in the country with an estimated 8,700 people bearing this surname.

Although most of its bearers live in England, it is also present in Scotland and Wales, albeit with a much smaller population in those two countries. According to the Scotland's People genealogical site, there are just a few family members carrying the Jowssey name in Scotland.

Outside of the UK, the Jowssey surname is mostly spread in areas that have strong historical connections with the British Isles. This includes Canada, Australia, New Zealand and the United States. As a result, it is no surprise to find Jowssey families living in the United States, Canada and Australia.

Given the historical connections, it is not surprising to find a number of Jowssey descendants in North America and the Commonwealth countries, including descendants of James Jowssey who originally migrated from England to Canada in the early 19th century. In sum, the Jowssey surname is still quite common today, though its highest concentration remains in the UK.

Variations of the surname Jowssey

The surname Jowssey is derived from several different roots. It has many variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin.

The surname Jowssey is of English origin. It is derived from the Old English personal name Gōswi or Gōs (meaning “goose”). Alternately, the name can be derived from the Old English word jōs, meaning “joy.” Variants of the name include Jowsey, Jausi, Jowcey, Gowsy, Gowsie, Joussia, and Joussi.

In Scotland, the surname may be derived from an Anglicized form of an Old Gaelic surname MacTaggart. Its variants include MacTaggart, Taggerty, jowesy,taggart,tags,tagg,tackerty,jackarty.

In France, the surname is derived from an Old French personal name substratum, Jouce. Its variants include Jouce, Joys and Joice.

In Ireland, the surname is derived from the Gaelic Ó Siothchaine. Its variants include Jowsey, Siothchaine, Shaughnessy, O’Shaughnessey, Shaughnassy, and Sothchyne.

In Germany, the surname is derived from the old German personal name Joczo or Jouzo. Its variant forms are Joczo, Jouzo, Juso, Jowcey and Jowsey.

In the Netherlands, Jowssey is a variant of the surname Jansen, derived from the Old Dutch first name Johann which means “God is gracious”. Variants include Janssen, Jaansen, Jansz, Jans, Jantjee, Janse, Joosse, and Jowssey.

Overall, variants of the surname Jowssey include Jowsey, Jausi, Jowcey, Gowsy, Gowsie, Joussia, Joussi, MacTaggart, Taggerty, jowesy, taggart, tags, tagg, taggerty, jackarty, Jouce, Joys, Joice, Siothchaine, Shaughnessy, O’Shaughnessey, Shaughnassy, Sothchyne, Joczo, Jouzo, Juso, Jansk, Jansz, Jans, Jantjee, Janse, Joosse.

Famous people with the name Jowssey

• Bill Jowssey: Actor best known for roles in 'Escape from Sobibor' (1987) and 'The Young Indiana Jones Chronicles' (1992).
• Alan Jowssey: Actor known for roles in '13 Reasons Why' (2017) and movies 'Mia and the White Lion' (2019) and 'My Christmas Love' (2016).
• Andrew Jowssey: Actor best known for his role as Benjamin in the crime-drama series 'Homeland' (2011).
• Robert Jowssey: British architect known for his Greenham Common Memorial.
• Robert Jowssey: Ex-professional footballer who played for the English Premier League side Aston Villa, gaining promotion to the league in 1993.
• Stuart Jowssey: English musician who has released several albums as a solo performer and with the band 'Earth Heart'.
• David Jowssey: Australian composer and playwright known for the musical 'The Women of Troy' (2003).
• George Jowssey: British entrepreneur in the beverage industry who was part of the Executive Board at The Coca-Cola Company.
• Zoey Jowssey: Singer-songwriter from Essex who released the single 'Ghosts' (2018).
• Stephen Jowssey: British sports journalist and broadcaster who works for Sky Sports.

Other surnames

Jowssie