Dowden

Dowden is a distinguished surname of British origin, with its roots dating back to medieval times. The name Dowden is derived from the Old English personal name "Dudda," combined with the common patronymic suffix "-en," meaning "son of Dudda." The name first appeared as a surname in the early centuries of the second millennium.

The Dowden family history is centred in the south of England, particularly concentrated in regions such as Devon, Cornwall, and Somerset. Over the centuries, bearers of the surname Dowden have been prominent in various fields, including academia, the arts, and military service.

Notable individuals with the surname Dowden include the renowned Victorian clergyman and scholar, Bishop John Dowden (1840-1910), known for his contributions to Scottish ecclesiastical history. The name has also been associated with figures in the literary world and beyond.

Today, the Dowden surname continues to be borne by families across the United Kingdom and internationally, testament to its enduring legacy and historical significance within the British Isles.

There are approximately 1,165 people named Dowden in the UK. That makes it roughly the 6,562nd most common surname in Britain. Around 18 in a million people in Britain are named Dowden.

Surname type: Location or geographical feature

Origin: English

Region of origin: British Isles

Country of origin: England

Religion of origin: Christian

Language of origin: English

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Andrew
  • Anthony
  • Christopher
  • David
  • Edward
  • James
  • John
  • Matthew
  • Michael
  • Neil
  • Paul
  • Richard

Female

  • Elizabeth
  • Emma
  • Janet
  • Jennifer
  • Jenny
  • Joyce
  • Lisa
  • Monica
  • Patricia
  • Rebecca
  • Sarah
  • Susan

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