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Origins of the Owen surname

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What does the name Owen mean?

Owen is a surname that originated in Wales. It is a patronymic name, referring to those who are the son or descendant of Owen or Owain (a version of the Irish name 'Eogan', and meaning 'well born'). It has been found as early as the 1200s in records, but did not become widespread until the mass adoption of surnames in Wales mandated by King Henry VIII in the 1500s.

Alternative variations of the name Owen

Owen, Owens, Owain, Owan, Owans

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Where do most Owens live?

In 1921, most Owens lived in London.


Census records trace your ancestors through each generation, so you can follow where your relatives lived through each decade.

Interesting facts about Owens

How common is your surname?

91st most common surname in the UK

We have 384,000 records for the Owen surname. The oldest one dates back to .

Who were Owens most likely to marry?

Joneses

&

Williamses

Our Marriage record sets tell us which families married Owens.

What are the most common Owen first names?

  • John
  • William
  • Mary
  • Elizabeth

Our birth record sets tell us the names of Owen family members

Common jobs for Owens

Men and women often performed different types of jobs, so these are displayed by gender to maintain their historical accuracy.

Common Female occupations for Owens in 1921
Dressmaker

1,878

General Servant Domestic

1,175

Domestic Servant

1,143

General Servant

968

House Servant

933

Common Male occupations for Owens in 1921
Farmer

2,171

Coal Miner

1,683

Agricultural Labourer

1,292

General Labourer

1,237

Joiner

961

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We found over 320,000 family trees with the Owen surname

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