The surname Tawes is believed to be of English origin, derived from a variety of sources. One possibility is that it comes from a geographical location called Towes in Northamptonshire, England. Another theory suggests that it could have originated as a nickname for someone who was stout or stocky, as "taw" in Old English means "stout" or "solid." However, without specific documentation about the particular family line in question, it's difficult to confirm the exact origin of the Tawes surname.
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The meaning and origin of the last name Tawes
The surname Tawes is of Welsh origin and derives from various places named Tawys, Tavies, or Tafis in Wales. The name is thought to be associated with rivers or waterways, as "taw" means river in Welsh. It's also possible that the name comes from the Old Norse word "Tveitr," meaning "two fields." Over time, the spelling of the surname has evolved due to various factors, including phonetic changes and migration patterns. The surname Tawes can be found among Welsh settlers in England, North America, and other parts of the world as a result of historical migrations.
Geographical distribution of the last name Tawes
The surname Tawes is predominantly found in Wales, particularly in the county of Pembrokeshire, where it originated as a variant of the Welsh name Teifi or Thomas. Over time, emigration from Wales led to the dispersal of the Tawes family name to other parts of England and North America. In England, significant populations of Tawes can be found in cities such as London and Birmingham, with smaller clusters in areas like Manchester and Cardiff due to historical migrations. Across the Atlantic, notable concentrations of Tawes families are found in states like Pennsylvania and Ohio in the United States, reflecting Welsh immigration during the 19th and early 20th centuries. In Canada, the surname is mainly distributed across Ontario and British Columbia, with a smaller presence in Quebec, as a result of similar migration patterns.
Variants and spellings of the last name Tawes
The surname Tawes can have various spelling variations due to differences in transcription and transliteration over time. Some common variations include Taweses, Taweis, Taewees, Taves, Tawesy, Tauwes, and Towes. These variations may arise from minor misspellings, regional dialects, or the influence of different languages. Additionally, the name's origin is believed to be either English or Welsh, with possible meanings such as "from the meadow" or "dweller by the thorny wood." The Welsh variant could also stem from the Old Welsh personal name Taff, meaning poet. These variations highlight the name's rich historical roots and its adaptability across different regions and time periods.
Famous people with the last name Tawes
Notable individuals with the surname Tawes include:
1. J. Millard Tawes (1918-2007): An American politician who served as the 63rd Governor of Maryland from 1959 to 1967, making him the longest-serving governor in the state's history.
2. William Tawes (1734-1802): A signer of the Declaration of Independence for Delaware and a United States Senator from that state.
3. Robert Tawes (born 1967): An English composer, conductor, and organist known for his work in the field of contemporary classical music. He has written over 200 works and been commissioned by various ensembles.
4. James F. Tawes Jr. (1930-2015): A United States Army officer who served as commander of the 1st Infantry Division during the Vietnam War, receiving two Distinguished Service Crosses among other honors.
These individuals have made significant contributions in politics, music, and military service, demonstrating the versatility and accomplishments of those bearing the surname Tawes.
Genealogical research on the last name Tawes
The Tawes surname is primarily of Welsh origin, derived from the Old Welsh patronymic "Tudaf ap Owain," meaning "son of Owain Tudor." The Tudors were a powerful Welsh family that produced kings of England, including Henry VII. The Tawes family migrated to England and eventually to the United States during the 17th and 18th centuries, with significant concentrations in Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Virginia.
One notable member of the Tawes family is Thomas Johnson Tawes (1906-1958), who served as the Governor of Maryland from 1947 to 1959. He was the first Democrat to hold this position in the state's history. Another significant figure is Edward Tawes (born 1808), a Pennsylvania farmer, who was an ancestor to several prominent Tawes families in the United States.
In genealogical records, variations of the surname include Taves, Tauss, and Tawess. Researchers can find records tracing the Tawes family lineage through church, census, immigration, and vital records, as well as historical newspapers.
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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