Surname Dowsett - Meaning and Origin
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Dowsett: What does the surname Dowsett mean?
The last name Dowsett is of English origin and has multiple possible sources. It could be derived from the Old English word ‘dwæs’ and ‘ett’ which together mean ‘dweller at the dwæs’. The Old English word ‘dwæs’ has multiple meanings, including ‘meadow’, ‘pasture land’ or ‘clearing’. The name could also be derived from the medieval English personal name ‘Dauce’, and may originally have been a patronymic form of the name, meaning ‘son of Dauce’. The name Dowsett could also possibly be derived from the Old English word ‘do’, which in this context means ‘low’, plus ‘sett’, which means ‘a dwelling or farmstead’.
In the modern day, the surname Dowsett is most common in England and Wales and is also found in Scotland, Ireland, Australia, Canada, and the United States. The variant spellings to Dowsett include Dowsett, Dowsit, and Dowse. The surname is an example of an English habitational surname, which was often used to indicate that the bearer of the surname was from a specific location. It was also sometimes used to indicate an occupation, either directly or indirectly.
Order DNA origin analysisDowsett: Where does the name Dowsett come from?
Dowsett is an English surname derived from the Old English words “dudu” and “sete,” meaning “wolf encampment.” The surname is most common in the Midlands region of England, where it is particularly concentrated in Staffordshire.
In the United Kingdom today, it is estimated that approximately 12,750 people carry the surname. Beyond the UK, Dowsett is also found in Australia, Scotland, and Canada.
A search for the name on the website Forebears reveals additional countries with populations bearing the name. Dowsett is the 11,261st most common surname in the world, with the highest concentrations found in the United Kingdom (8,301), Australia (3,247), and Canada (519). It is also present in smaller concentrations in the United States, New Zealand, and South Africa.
According to the website House of Names, the Dowsett name can be traced back to the 12th century, and “was first used by someone living in the settlement of Dowcote in the county of Gloucestershire.” In 14th century records, it is noted that the name also had a presence in Scotland, and would later spread throughout the UK.
Today, the Dowsett name appears to remain most prevalent in the Midlands region of England where it originated. It is also commonly found in countries with strong ties to the British Isles, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
Variations of the surname Dowsett
The surname Dowsett is a variant of the surname Dowse, which is of English origin. The surname Dowse was first found in Wiltshire, where it was recorded as a family name from ancient times. The name is derived from the Old Anglo-Saxon word "dúsa," meaning a tuft or plume.
Variants of the surname Dowsett include Dousett, Dousot, Dosett, Dowset, Doussett, Dowsit, and Dowsit. The variants are likely to have all evolved from the same ancestral name.
Spellings of Dowsett may vary according to regional dialect. In Northern England, Dowsett may be pronounced "dow-sett," while in some other dialects it may be pronounced "dow-set."
Surnames with similar origins to Dowsett include Dowse, Doughty, Doe, Dowson, Douglas, Dowling, Dowdell, and Donovan. While these surnames may not be direct variants of the Dowsett surname, they are likely to have the same or very similar ancestral origins.
In conclusion, the surname Dowsett is a variant of the surname Dowse, which is derived from the Old Anglo-Saxon word "dúsa," meaning a tuft or plume. Variants, spellings, and surnames with similar origins may vary according to regional dialect or spelling trends, and may include Dousett, Dousot, Dosett, Dowset, Dousett, Dowsit, Dowse, Doughty, Doe, Dowson, Douglas, Dowling, Dowdell, and Donovan.
Famous people with the name Dowsett
- Garry Dowsett: Australian actor and director best known for playing the role of Frank ‘Frog there’ in the hit Australian drama film, Steven.
- Stephen Dowsett: Australian poet and author of five award-winning novels.
- Christine Dowsett: Australian television host and writer known for her work on shows such as The Project and The Sunday Project.
- Jamie Dowsett: Australian Paralympic boccia athlete.
- Robert Dowsett: former Australian rules footballer who played for the Geelong Football Club in the Victorian Football League.
- Bill Dowsett: British actor known for his role in the television series Dr. Who (1977–1980).
- Nevil Dowsett: Australian actor best known for roles in shows such as Hey Dad..! and Home and Away.
- Louise Dowsett: British actress notable for her roles in the films Carry On Cruising (1962) and Carry On Follow That Camel (1967).
- Paul Dowsett: British comedy and radio presenter.
- Kirsten Dowsett: British columnist and former head of the BBC Radio Comedy Department.