DOWSING
Dowsing
Dowsing is a British surname of Old French origin, derived from the medieval personal name "Dewe", meaning "day" or "Daeg" in Old English. The surname Dowsing is classified as being of patronymic origin, indicating descent from a male ancestor.
The Dowsing surname is primarily found in the eastern counties of England, particularly in Suffolk and Norfolk. The earliest recorded instance of the surname dates back to the early 13th century, where a William De Dawesing was documented in the Staffordshire Subsidy Rolls of 1327.
The Dowsing family has historical connections to the agricultural and farming communities of East Anglia. Members of the Dowsing family have been involved in various trades and professions over the centuries, including as landowners, merchants, and tradespeople.
Notably, a prominent figure with the surname Dowsing was William Dowsing (1596–1668), an English puritan and iconoclast known for his efforts in the 17th century to eradicate idolatry and superstition in churches across East Anglia during the English Civil War.
Today, the surname Dowsing continues to be borne by individuals across the United Kingdom and beyond, contributing to diverse fields and professions. The ancestral legacy of the Dowsing surname serves as a testament to the enduring history and heritage of Britain.
There are approximately 487 people named Dowsing in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around seven in a million people in Britain are named Dowsing.
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- Anthony
- Brian
- David
- Fred
- George
- John
- Joseph
- Michael
- Nicholas
- Nick
- Paul
- Peter
- Ronald
- Stephen
Female
- Ann
- Claire
- Emma
- Evelyn
- Karen
- Laura
- Mary
- Nicola
- Patricia
- Sarah