Rowden

Rowden is a surname of English origin that is primarily found in the South West of England, particularly in the counties of Cornwall and Devon. The name Rowden is thought to derive from a combination of the Old English words "raw" meaning row or line, and "denu" meaning valley, suggesting that it may have originally been a toponymic surname for someone who lived in or near a valley with rows of buildings or fields.

Historically, the Rowden family has been associated with agricultural and rural communities, with many individuals working as farmers, labourers, or craftsmen. Over time, some members of the Rowden family may have migrated to urban areas for work or other opportunities, leading to a spread of the surname beyond its original strongholds.

The surname Rowden has various spellings and forms, including Rowdon, Rowden, and Rowdon, reflecting the variations in pronunciation and spelling that have occurred over the centuries.

Today, individuals bearing the surname Rowden can be found across the United Kingdom and in other English-speaking countries, often with diverse occupations and interests. The name Rowden serves as a reminder of the historical ties of the family to the landscapes and communities of the South West of England.

There are approximately 1,297 people named Rowden in the UK. That makes it roughly the 6,021st most common surname in Britain. Around 20 in a million people in Britain are named Rowden.

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
  • Christopher
  • David
  • James
  • John
  • Mark
  • Paul
  • Peter
  • Richard
  • Stephen

Female

  • Deborah
  • Elizabeth
  • Helen
  • Jennifer
  • Julie
  • Karen
  • Laura
  • Lisa
  • Nicola
  • Patricia
  • Sarah
  • Shona

Similar and related surnames

Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.

BritishSurnames.uk is a Good Stuff website.