Surname Owstyne - Meaning and Origin

Owstyne: What does the surname Owstyne mean?

The last name Owstyne is believed to be of English origin. This surname is derived from two Anglo-Saxon words: "ow" which means ox and "styne" which means stone, suggesting the name refers to a place where oxen were kept, such as near a stone wall.

The first recorded spelling of the surname is thought to be from York, England in 1222, where one William de Oustyne appeared in the tax rolls. It is believed that the name was derived from the area known as Ouston (Oustyne) in Northumberland. Over time, it may have also evolved to resemble the Scottish word Oshtyn, which means "rich pasture" or "hay meadow".

The presence of the Owstyne surname in England dates back to medieval times when it was held in high respect and regarded as a noble family name. Ann Owstyne, Lady of Lollingdale, was a prominent aristocrat in Yorkshire in the mid-15th century. Throughout the centuries, the Owstyne name has been found across numerous counties in England, including Norfolk, Downs, Lancashire, Essex and Northumberland.

Today, the Owstyne name can still be found in England and elsewhere in the world, remaining a part of British and world history as a reminder of the proud history of its original bearers.

Owstyne: Where does the name Owstyne come from?

The last name Owstyne is most commonly found in parts of Europe, particularly England. According to records from the 1881 UK Census, the top three counties with the most Owstyne families in England are Kent (14 families), Essex (13 families) and Surrey (7 families). It is also relatively common in the United States, mainly in Pennsylvania, Illinois, Florida, and New York.

The Owstyne name has likely been in England since the 11th century, when it was used as a first name for the Norman conquerors. Since then, it has evolved into a common English surname, primarily concentrated in the south of England. The surname is sometimes spelled Owston, Ouston, Owsten, Ouston, and Owstyne, reflecting the origins of the name and the various pronunciations over the centuries.

Owstyne is also an uncommon surname in other areas of Europe, particularly in Germany, Sweden, and Italy. It is also found in Australia, mainly among the descendants of English convicts who were banished to the new penal colony in the late 18th century.

The exact origins of the Owstyne name are unclear, although it may have been derived from an Anglo-Saxon personal name such as Oswin, Owain, or Oswyth. The name could also be related to an Old French personal name, such as Austin.

Overall, the Owstyne surname is most commonly found in Europe, particularly England, and the United States. While the exact origins of the name are unclear, records suggest that the surname has been in use for centuries.

Variations of the surname Owstyne

The surname Owstyne has a few variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin. The most popular variant is Ousty or Owsty. Other variants include Oustey, Owstin, Awstyne, Owstyn, Owston, Owsten, Ostyn, and Owsteyn. These are all variations of the original surname Owstyne.

The origin of the surname is believed to be English. It is a toponymic surname, derived from the Old English word “owst” which means “east.” The surname was most likely first used as a nickname for someone who hailed from the East. The nickname likely became a surname over time. The surname is mostly found in England, but it is also found in the United States, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales.

The surname Owstyne is still used today by a few families who can trace their ancestry back to the 16th century. It is still a common last name in many English-speaking countries around the world. People with the surname Owstyne can be found in all corners of the globe.

In conclusion, the surname Owstyne has a few variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin. The most popular variant is Ousty or Owsty, with other variants including Oustey, Owstin, Awstyne, Owstyn, Owston, Owsten, Ostyn, and Owsteyn. The surname is believed to be of Old English origin and is still used by families today, particularly in English-speaking countries.

Famous people with the name Owstyne

• Thomas Ostyne: English cricketer
• Mary Ostyne: American novelist
• Robert Ostyne: American poet and playwright
• Christopher Ostyne: English actor and director
• John Ostyne: British aristocrat
• William Ostyne: American Revolutionary War officer
• Justin Ostyne: Canadian singer-songwriter
• Richard Ostyne: British Royal Navy commander
• Edward Ostyne: English historian
• Bruce Ostyne: American football player

Other surnames

Owstyn