Towlson

History and Origin:

Towlson is a British surname with origins that can be traced back to the Middle Ages. The surname is of English origin, deriving from the Old English personal name "Toll", which means "hole" or "hollow" combined with the patronymic suffix "son", meaning "son of Toll".

Distribution and Frequency:

The surname Towlson is relatively rare in the United Kingdom, with the highest concentration found in the northern regions, particularly in Yorkshire and the surrounding areas.

Notable Individuals:

  • John Towlson: An English author and historian known for his works on military history, particularly focused on the World War II era.

  • Mary Towlson: A British artist gaining recognition for her innovative use of mixed media techniques in her artwork.

Coat of Arms:

The Towlson family crest features a shield with a distinctive design symbolising strength, loyalty, and ancestry, as is common in heraldry.

Variants and Derivatives:

Variants of the surname Towlson include Towleson and Tolson, reflecting the evolution of the name over time and regional differences in pronunciation.

References:

  • Reaney, P. H., & Wilson, R. M. (1991). A Dictionary of English Surnames. Oxford University Press.

  • Cottle, B. (1987). Penguin Dictionary of Surnames. Penguin Books.

There are approximately 326 people named Towlson in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around five in a million people in Britain are named Towlson.

Surname type: From name of parent

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

  • Christopher
  • Craig
  • Gareth
  • Gary
  • James
  • John
  • Mark
  • Matthew
  • Michael
  • Nigel
  • Peter
  • Russell

Female

  • Anita
  • Anne
  • Carol
  • Catherine
  • Christine
  • Debra
  • Emma
  • June
  • Katherine
  • Leah
  • Philippa
  • Sarah
  • Tina

Similar and related surnames

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

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