Show ContentsOwen History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Owen Family Crest Download (JPG) Heritage Series - 600 DPI

Family Crest Download (JPG) Heritage Series - 600 DPI

Etymology of Owen

What does the name Owen mean?

A product of the ancient Brythonic Celts of Wales, the name Owen, is from the Welsh personal name Owen or Owain. The Old Welsh forms of this name were Ouen and Ouein and were borrowed from the Latin name Eugenius. This is in turn derived from the Greek name Eugenios, which means well-born or noble. The name was recorded in Wales as early as 926 AD, when Uwen Wenta Cyning was noted.

Early Origins of the Owen family

The surname Owen was first found in Montgomeryshire (Welsh: Sir Drefaldwyn), located in mid-Eastern Wales, one of thirteen historic counties, and anciently the medieval kingdom of Powys Wenwynwyn, where they held a family seat from very ancient times, some say well before the Norman Conquest and the arrival of Duke William at Hastings in 1066 A.D.

From these early beginnings, the family reached throughout early England. "George Welsh Owen, Esq. of Tiverton in Devonshire, is impropriator of the great and small tithes, both of the [parish of Egloskerry] and Tremaine, [Cornwall] which belonged formerly to the priory of Launceston. In Egloskerry there are several estates, by which no small tithes are paid. From the tithes of this parish the sum of £5 per annum is paid to the incumbent curate, and sixteen shillings to the Prince of Wales's audit." 1

Early History of the Owen family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Owen research. Another 127 words (9 lines of text) covering the years 1169, 1600, 1608, 1616, 1622, 1624, 1639, 1640, 1645, 1647, 1659, 1661, 1664, 1666, 1676, 1678, 1679, 1683, 1692, 1698, 1700 and 1890 are included under the topic Early Owen History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Owen Spelling Variations

There are relatively few surnames native to Wales, but they have an inordinately large number of spelling variations. Early variations of Welsh surnames can be explained by the fact that very few people in the early Middle Ages were literate. Priests and the few other literate people were responsible for recording names in official documents. And because most people could not specific how to properly record their names it was up to the individual recorder of that time to determine how a spoken name should be recorded. Variations due to the imprecise or improper recording of a name continued later in history when names originally composed in the Brythonic Celtic, language of Wales, known by natives as Cymraeg, were transliterated into English. Welsh names that were documented in English often changed dramatically since the native language of Wales, which was highly inflected, did not copy well. Occasionally, however, spelling variations were carried out according to an individual's specific design: a branch loyalty within the family, a religious adherence, or even patriotic affiliations could be indicated by minor variations. The spelling variations of the name Owen have included Owen, Owens, MacOwen, Owenson, Owenby, Ownby and others.

Early Notables of the Owen family

  • Thomas Owen (died 1661), an English politician who sat in the House of Commons between 1624 and 1640, supporter of the Royalist cause in the English Civil War
  • Sir John Owen (1600-1666), a Welsh Royalist officer during the English Civil War
  • John Owen (1616-1683), an English Nonconformist church leader, theologian and administrator at the University of Oxford
  • Arthur Owen (ca.1608-1678), a Welsh politician who sat in the House of Commons between 1645 and 1678
  • Sir Hugh Owen, 2nd Baronet (1645-1698), a Welsh politician, Member of Parliament for Pembroke (1676-1679), High Sheriff of Pembrokeshire in 1664
  • Hugh Owen (1639-1700), a Welsh independent minister

Owen World Ranking

the United States, the name Owen is the 455th most popular surname with an estimated 62,175 people with that name. 2 However, in Canada, the name Owen is ranked the 858th most popular surname with an estimated 6,215 people with that name. 3 And in Australia, the name Owen is the 241st popular surname with an estimated 14,197 people with that name. 4 New Zealand ranks Owen as 263rd with 2,302 people. 5 The United Kingdom ranks Owen as 84th with 53,619 people. 6

Migration of the Owen family to Ireland

Some of the Owen family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 59 words (4 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Owen migration to the United States +

During the latter half of the 19th and the beginning of the 20th century, the people of Wales journeyed to North America to find a new life. They made major contributions to the arts, industry and commerce of both Canada and the United States, and added a rich cultural heritage to their newly adopted societies. A look at the immigration and passenger lists has shown a number of people bearing the name Owen:

Owen Settlers in United States in the 17th Century
  • Richard Owen, who settled in Virginia in 1622
  • David Owen, who landed in Virginia in 1622 8
  • Ms. Elizabeth Owen, aged 30, who arrived in Isla de Providencia in 1635 aboard the ship "Expectation" 9
  • Tho Owen, aged 23, who settled in Virginia in 1635 aboard the ship "Globe" 9
  • Edward Owen, who landed in Virginia in 1636 8
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)
Owen Settlers in United States in the 18th Century
  • Gustavos Owen, who arrived in Virginia in 1703 8
  • Susanna Owen, who arrived in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1710 8
  • Susana Owen, who landed in Virginia in 1713 8
  • Gilbert Owen, who landed in Virginia in 1714 8
  • Jean Owen, who arrived in Louisiana in 1719 8
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)
Owen Settlers in United States in the 19th Century
  • Hugh Owen, aged 42, who landed in New York in 1812 8
  • Luke Owen, aged 39, who arrived in Maine in 1812 8
  • Philip Owen, aged 22, who landed in Mobile County, Ala in 1842 8
  • Edmund Owen, aged 24, who arrived in Mobile County, Ala in 1842 8
  • Richard Owen, aged 23, who arrived in New York in 1849 8
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Owen migration to Canada +

Owen Settlers in Canada in the 18th Century
  • James Owen, who arrived in Nova Scotia in 1750
  • Mathew Owen, who landed in Nova Scotia in 1750
  • Amos Owen, who landed in Nova Scotia in 1760
  • Mr. Edward Owen U.E. who arrived at Port Roseway, [Shelbourne], Nova Scotia on October 26, 1783 was passenger number 215 aboard the ship "HMS Clinton", picked up on September 28, 1783 at Staten Island, New York, USA 10
Owen Settlers in Canada in the 19th Century
  • Michael Owen, who arrived in Halifax, Nova Scotia in 1843
  • Mrs. Mary Owen, aged 48 who immigrated to Canada, arriving at the Grosse Isle Quarantine Station in Quebec aboard the ship "Yorkshire" departing from the port of Yorkshire, Liverpool but died on Grosse Isle in August 1847 11
  • Miss. Sally Owen, aged 14 who immigrated to Canada, arriving at the Grosse Isle Quarantine Station in Quebec aboard the ship "Yorkshire" departing from the port of Yorkshire, Liverpool but died on Grosse Isle in August 1847 11
  • Mr. Thomas Owen, aged 3 months who immigrated to Canada, arriving at the Grosse Isle Quarantine Station in Quebec aboard the ship "Yorkshire Lass" departing from the port of Yorkshire Lass, Killala but died on Grosse Isle on 8th August 1847 11

Owen migration to Australia +

Emigration to Australia included the First Fleet, Second Fleet and Third Fleet of convicts, tradespeople and early settlers. Early immigrants include:

First Fleet
  • Mr. Thomas Owen, (b. 1759), aged 30, British settler convicted at Shrewsbury (Salop), England in 1788, sentenced to Life for stealing, transported aboard the ship "Surprize" leaving in 1789 arriving in New South Wales, Australia in 1790 7
Second Fleet
Third Fleet
  • Mr. John Owen, (b. 1769), aged 18, English settler convicted in London on 10th September 1783, sentenced for 7 years for theft, transported aboard the ship "Scarborough" leaving in 1787 arriving in New South Wales, Australia in 1788 8
  • Mr. Joseph Owen, (b. 1719), aged 68, English settler convicted in Shrewsbury, Shropshire on 12th March 1785, sentenced for 14 years for receiving stollen good, transported aboard the ship "Friendship" leaving in 1787 arriving in New South Wales, Australia in 1788 8
Following the First, Second and Third Fleets, other convicts and early settlers arriving in Australia include:

Owen Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century
Owen Settlers in Australia in the 20th Century
  • Mr. William Owen, (b. 1883), aged 20, Cornish settler travelling aboard the ship "Oroya" arriving in Queensland, Australia on 23rd March 1903 17

Owen migration to New Zealand +

Emigration to New Zealand followed in the footsteps of the European explorers, such as Captain Cook (1769-70): first came sealers, whalers, missionaries, and traders. By 1838, the British New Zealand Company had begun buying land from the Maori tribes, and selling it to settlers, and, after the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840, many British families set out on the arduous six month journey from Britain to Aotearoa to start a new life. Early immigrants include:

Owen Settlers in New Zealand in the 19th Century
  • Mr. William Owen, British settler arriving as the 1st detachment of Royal New Zealand Fencible Corps travelling from Tilbury, Essex aboard the ship "Ramillies" arriving in Auckland, New Zealand on 6th August 1847 18
  • Mr. William Owen, Cornish settler travelling from Launceston aboard the ship "Spray" arriving in New Zealand in 1851 18
  • E. Owen, who arrived in Wellington, New Zealand aboard the ship "Surge" in 1855
  • G. Owen, who arrived in Wellington, New Zealand aboard the ship "Surge" in 1855
  • William Owen, aged 23, a rope maker, who arrived in Wellington, New Zealand aboard the ship "Oliver Lang" in 1856
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Owen migration to West Indies +

The British first settled the British West Indies around 1604. They made many attempts but failed in some to establish settlements on the Islands including Saint Lucia and Grenada. By 1627 they had managed to establish settlements on St. Kitts (St. Christopher) and Barbados, but by 1641 the Spanish had moved in and destroyed some of these including those at Providence Island. The British continued to expand the settlements including setting the First Federation in the British West Indies by 1674; some of the islands include Barbados, Bermuda, Cayman Island, Turks and Caicos, Jamaica and Belize then known as British Honduras. By the 1960's many of the islands became independent after the West Indies Federation which existed from 1958 to 1962 failed due to internal political conflicts. After this a number of Eastern Caribbean islands formed a free association. 19
Owen Settlers in West Indies in the 17th Century
  • Mr. Wm Owen, (b. 1611), aged 23, British settler travelling from Gravesend, UK aboard the ship "Hopewell" arriving in Barbados on 17th February 1634 8
  • Mr. John Owen, aged 20, British settler travelling from Gravesend, UK aboard the ship "Hopewell" arriving in Barbados on 17th February 1634 8
  • Mr. David Owen, aged 26 who arrived in St. Kitts (St Christopher) aboard the ship "Amity" in 1635 20
  • Thomas Owen, who settled in Barbados in 1654
  • Anne Owen, her husband and servants, who settled in Barbados in 1680
Owen Settlers in West Indies in the 18th Century
  • Gronow Owen, who arrived in Jamaica in 1757 8

Contemporary Notables of the name Owen (post 1700) +

  • Barbara J. Owen (1933-2024), American organist and organ scholar who also worked as a university librarian and in executive positions for the American Guild of Organists
  • Eleanor Owen (1921-2022), also known as Eleanor DeVito, an American journalist, playwright, university professor, costume designer, theatre actress, and mental health professional, co-founder of the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill
  • Jim Owen (1941-2020), American singer-songwriter
  • Beverley Owen (1937-2019), born Beverley Ogg, an American television actress, best known for having played the original role of Marilyn Munster during the first season of The Munsters
  • Lawrence Thomas Owen (1955-2018), American Major League Baseball catcher from Cleveland, Ohio
  • Donald Lynn "Don" Owen (1930-2012), American news anchor and politician
  • Edward M. Owen, American fighter pilot and flying ace in the U.S. Navy, during World War II, credited with 8 aerial victories
  • Charles Owen, American politician, Delegate to Iowa convention to ratify 21st amendment from Guthrie County, 1933 21
  • Chandler Owen, American politician, Candidate for New York State Assembly from New York County 21st District, 1920 22
  • ... (Another 134 notables are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)
Empress of Ireland
  • Mr. William Salisbury Owen, British Assistant Steward from United Kingdom who worked aboard the Empress of Ireland (1914) and survived the sinking 22
  • Mr. Robert Owen, British Pantryman from United Kingdom who worked aboard the Empress of Ireland (1914) and survived the sinking 23
  • Mr. William Albert Owen (1906-1941), Australian Warrant Officer Supply (S) from Willoughby, New South Wales, Australia, who sailed into battle aboard HMAS Sydney II and died in the sinking 23
  • Mr. Harold Owen (b. 1909), English Petty Officer serving for the Royal Navy from Woolwich, London, England, who sailed into battle and died in the HMS Hood sinking 24
  • Mr. Wynne Owen, British Petty Officer, who sailed into battle on the HMS Prince of Wales (1941) and died in the sinking 25
  • ... (Another 14 entries are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Suggested Readings for the name Owen +

  • A Fair and Happy Land by William A. Owens.
  • Memories of an Ozark Mother: 100 Years of Stella Owen by Edgar Lyle Owen.
  • Owings and Allied Families, 1685-1985: Genealogy of some of the Descendants of Richard Owings I of Maryland by Addison D. Owings.
  1. Hutchins, Fortescue, The History of Cornwall, from the Earliest Records and Traditions to the Present Time. London: William Penaluna, 1824. Print
  2. "What are the 5,000 Most Common Last Names in the U.S.?". NameCensus.com, https://namecensus.com/last-names/
  3. "Surnames Meanings, Origins & Distribution Maps - Forebears." Forebears, https://forebears.io/surnames
  4. "Most Common Last Names in Australia." Forebears, https://forebears.io/australia/surnames
  5. "Most Common Last Names in New Zealand." Forebears, https://forebears.io/new-zealand/surnames
  6. "UK surname ranking." UK Surname map, https://www.surnamemap.eu/unitedkingdom/surnames_ranking.php?p=10
  7. Convict Records of Australia. Retrieved 4th February 2021 from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships
  8. Filby, P. William, Meyer, Mary K., Passenger and immigration lists index : a guide to published arrival records of about 500,000 passengers who came to the United States and Canada in the seventeenth, eighteenth, and nineteenth centuries. 1982-1985 Cumulated Supplements in Four Volumes Detroit, Mich. : Gale Research Co., 1985, Print (ISBN 0-8103-1795-8)
  9. Pilgrim Ship's of 1600's Retrieved January 6th 2023, retrieved from https://www.packrat-pro.com/ships/shiplist.htm
  10. Rubincam, Milton. The Old United Empire Loyalists List. Genealogical Publishing Co., Inc, 1976. (Originally published as; United Empire Loyalists. The Centennial of the Settlement of Upper Canada. Rose Publishing Company, 1885.) ISBN 0-8063-0331-X
  11. Charbonneau, André, and Doris Drolet-Dubé. A Register of Deceased Persons at Sea and on Grosse Île in 1847. The Minister of Canadian Heritage, 1997. ISBN: 0-660-198/1-1997E (p. 51)
  12. Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 22nd March 2021). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/coromandel-and-experiment
  13. Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 28th September 2022). https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/fairlie
  14. Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 1st March 2022). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/elizabeth
  15. Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 16th September 2020). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/baring
  16. Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 12th March 2021). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/coromandel
  17. Cornwall Online Parish Clerks. (Retreived 3rd May 2018). Retrieved from http://www.opc-cornwall.org/Resc/pdfs/emigration_australia_queensland.pdf
  18. New Zealand Yesteryears Passenger Lists 1800 to 1900 (Retrieved 26th March 2019). Retrieved from http://www.yesteryears.co.nz/shipping/passlist.html
  19. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_West_Indies
  20. Pilgrim Ship's of 1600's. Retrieved January 6th 2023 from https://www.packrat-pro.com/ships/shiplist.htm
  21. The Political Graveyard: Alphabetical Name Index. (Retrieved 2015, October 7) . Retrieved from http://politicalgraveyard.com/alpha/index.html
  22. Commemoration Empress of Ireland 2014. (Retrieved 2014, June 17) . Retrieved from http://www.empress2014.ca/seclangen/listepsc1.html
  23. HMAS Sydney II, Finding Sydney Foundation - Roll of Honour. (Retrieved 2014, April 24) . Retrieved from http://www.findingsydney.com/roll.asp
  24. H.M.S. Hood Association-Battle Cruiser Hood: Crew Information - H.M.S. Hood Rolls of Honour, Men Lost in the Sinking of H.M.S. Hood, 24th May 1941. (Retrieved 2016, July 15) . Retrieved from http://www.hmshood.com/crew/memorial/roh_24may41.htm
  25. HMS Prince of Wales Crew members. (Retrieved 2014, April 9) . Retrieved from http://www.forcez-survivors.org.uk/biographies/listprincecrew.html

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