Surname Owston-Smith - Meaning and Origin

Owston-Smith: What does the surname Owston-Smith mean?

The last name Owston-Smith is a combination of two different patronymic surnames originating from Northern England.

The first part of the surname, Owston, is derived from a place name. Specifically, Owston is likely derived from Owston in North Yorkshire, England. Place names were commonly adopted as personal names in the Middle Ages.

The second part of the surname, Smith, is an occupational name originally referring to someone who worked as a metalworker or blacksmith. The suffix -smith is a common element of many English surnames meaning "one who works with metal". As such, the full surname Owston-Smith likely means "one who is from Owston and works with metal".

It is also possible that the surname Owston-Smith is a combination of two families that were related in some way. The combination of two distinct English surnames has resulted in a unique family name.

Regardless of the origin, the surname Owston-Smith is a distinct English name. It has a unique connection to the ancient English landscapes of Yorkshire and suggests several possible origins involving either a place name or an occupational name.

Owston-Smith: Where does the name Owston-Smith come from?

The last name Owston-Smith is most commonly found in the United Kingdom, particularly in the counties of Yorkshire and the East Midlands. However, it can also be found scattered throughout the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

In the UK, Owston-Smiths are mainly found in the county of Yorkshire, where the name is thought to have originated from. There were several individuals bearing the name of Owston-Smith listed in early records, including an early settler in the Wakefield area. In the city of Hull, the name is also very common.

In the East Midlands, there were many instances of Owston-Smiths in Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire. Here, the name can be traced back to the 1600s.

In the United States, Owston-Smiths are most commonly found in states such as California, Texas, Virginia, and New York. This could be linked to the waves of immigrants who arrived in America over 200 years ago.

In Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, Owston-Smiths are usually found in rural and remote areas. This could have something to do with the people who moved to these places in search of a new life.

Overall, the last name Owston-Smith is most common in the UK, particularly Yorkshire and the East Midlands. However, it can also be found in various countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

Variations of the surname Owston-Smith

The surname Owston-Smith is a surname of English origin. The variations and spellings of this surname include: Ouston-Smith, Austen-Smith, Ouston-Smiith, Ouston-Smythe, Ouston-Smiths, Ouston-Smyth, Owston-Smyth, Owston-Smythe, Owston-Smiths, Ouston-Smithe, Owston Smith, Oustin-Smith and Owstin-Smith.

This surname originates from the location of Owston, which is a village in North Lincolnshire, located between the towns of Scunthorpe and Doncaster. The origins of the name can be linked to a geographical area of Owston. 'Ouston' was originally a farm located near the village of Owston. The '-Smith' ending would have been added to the original 'Ouston' to indicate the family had connections with Owston village.

The Owston-Smith surname may have also had military connections due to its links with Owston's 19th-century officers' training camp. This camp trained cavalry and infantry officers for service in overseas campaigns. In some cases the -Smith ending may have been used to indicate this military link.

Other spellings and surnames of the same origin include Ouston-Smith, Ouston-Smiith, Ouston-Smythe, Ouston-Smiths, Ouston-Smyth, Owston-Smyth, Owston-Smythe, Owston-Smiths, Ouston-Smithe, Owston Smith, Oustin-Smith and Owstin-Smith.

Famous people with the name Owston-Smith

• Dame Joan Owston-Smith, DBE: British charity worker, known for her substantial contribution to the Voluntary Sector and charity fundraising.
• Peter Owston-Smith: British military officer and last Governor of Jamaica.
• Christopher Owston-Smith: British barrister who was selected to defend the Angevin stake in the dispute between Henry II and Thomas Becket.
• Admiral Stanley Owston-Smith: He was the Admiral-Superintendent at Chatham dockyard and was instrumental in the fitting out of Australia's early navy.
• William Owston-Smith: British-born barrister and cultural antagonist best known for his opposition to the Oxford Movement.
• Sir John Owston-Smith: First Baronet of Greycourt, renowned for raising funds for the building of Greycourt House.
• Major Rowland Owston-Smith: He was a decorated officer in the British Army and was the recipient of the Order of St George.
• Major Richard Owston-Smith: He was mayor of Chalfont St Giles and served with distinction in both the Crimean War and Indian Mutiny.
• Francis Owston-Smith: Eldest son of the first Baronet, noted for his contributions to the development of Church schools.
• Charles Owston-Smith: Member of the London Stock Exchange and was a prominent magistrate.

Other surnames

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