The surname Lowndes has Anglo-Saxon origins and is derived from a geographical location named "Lound" which was an old settlement in Nottinghamshire, England. The name is believed to have been originally a nickname for someone who lived near such a place or came from there. The termination "-es" indicates that the surname originated as a locality name and was used as a surname to designate someone from that particular area. Over time, various spellings of the name, such as Loundes and Lowndis, have emerged due to linguistic evolutions and regional dialects.
Learn more about the origin of the last name Lowndes
The meaning and origin of the last name Lowndes
The surname Lowndes is of English origin, derived from various locations named Lows or Lowe's, which can be found in different counties across England such as Norfolk, Suffolk, and Yorkshire. The place names are believed to come from the Old English "hlāw" meaning "low hill" or "mound." Over time, these place names evolved into Lowes, Lows, and eventually, Lowndes, as a means of identification for those living in these areas. As with many surnames, the spelling and pronunciation of Lowndes have varied over the centuries due to historical recording methods and migration patterns. The surname Lowndes is currently found worldwide due to English immigration and colonization.
Geographical distribution of the last name Lowndes
The surname Lowndes is primarily distributed across several regions worldwide, with significant concentrations in England and the United States. In England, it originated from various counties such as Suffolk, Norfolk, and Northamptonshire, indicating its historical roots in Eastern England. Migrants carrying the name Lowndes emigrated to the American colonies during the 17th and 18th centuries, establishing strong populations in states like Virginia, South Carolina, and Georgia. The name also spread to other regions in the United States, particularly in the Midwest and Northeast, as a result of subsequent migration waves. Today, Lowndes is found in various countries across the globe due to further migrations and assimilation.
Variants and spellings of the last name Lowndes
The surname Lowndes exhibits several variants and spellings, primarily due to regional dialects, transcription errors, and family lineage. Some common variations include:
1. Lownds - with an 's' instead of 'd' at the end
2. Loundes - a less frequent variation
3. Loundis - another rare variant
4. Loundes-Bridgewater - a combination of the surname and a place name
5. Landis - though not a direct variant, it shares etymological roots with Lowndes, as both names are derived from Old English words meaning 'low' or 'marshy meadow'.
6. Lowns - yet another variant with slight alteration in spelling.
7. Lowndess - a less common spelling variation.
Famous people with the last name Lowndes
Notable individuals with the surname Lowndes include:
1. John Lowndes (died 1632), an English lawyer and antiquary who wrote "Monasticon Anglicanum."
2. John Lowndes (1784–1864), a British Whig politician who served as Member of Parliament for various constituencies between 1806 and 1859.
3. Frederick Lawton Lowndes (1850–1917), an American Congregationalist clergyman, theologian, and biblical scholar.
4. Robert Ransom Lowndes (1872–1964), an American journalist, editor, and author known for his writings on politics, economics, and social issues.
5. Alva Belmont Lownde (1853-1913), an American heiress and philanthropist who was a prominent figure in the women's suffrage movement.
6. Haley Lowndes (born 1992), an American actress, best known for her roles on television shows like "The Walking Dead" and "Nashville."
7. Jamie Lowndes (born 1963), a British musician who was the lead guitarist for The Wildhearts from 1992 to 2000 and again from 2008 to the present.
8. John Lowndes (politician) (born 1954), an Australian politician who has served as a member of both houses of the Australian Parliament since 1986.
Genealogical research on the last name Lowndes
The Lowndes surname is of Old English origin and is derived from the Old English "hlāw" meaning "hill" or "mound." Early bearers of this name include Aelric Hlaw, recorded in the Domesday Book in 1086. Over the centuries, the Lowndes name has been found in various regions within England, with significant concentrations in Suffolk and Essex. The family migrated to America during the 17th century, with several early immigrants settling in Virginia and later moving south to Georgia and the Carolinas. Prominent individuals bearing the surname include Edmund Burke Lowndes, the sixth Governor of Florida, and Joseph E. Johnston, a Confederate General during the American Civil War. Today, the Lowndes family is widespread across the United States, with notable concentrations in Texas, Georgia, and California.
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
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