Show ContentsDowthearde History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The ancestors of the name Dowthearde date back to the days of the Anglo-Saxon tribes of Britain. The name is derived from their residence in either Dowthwaite, in Cumberland or Dowthwaite Hall in the North Riding of Yorkshire. [1] [2]

The name literally means "a piece of ground cleared of wood, from the Anglo-Saxon thweotan, to cut." [3] [4]

Early Origins of the Dowthearde family

The surname Dowthearde was first found in the Subsidy Rolls of Cumberland where John de Doventhuayt was recorded in 1332. Much later in Yorkshire, John Dowthwayt was recorded there at Whitby in 1540. [1] The Yorkshire Poll Tax Rolls of 1379 included an entry for Robertas de Dowthwayt. [5]

Early History of the Dowthearde family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Dowthearde research. Another 116 words (8 lines of text) covering the years 1572, 1662, 1667, 1714 and 1733 are included under the topic Early Dowthearde History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Dowthearde Spelling Variations

Dowthearde has been spelled many different ways. Before English spelling became standardized over the last few hundred years, spelling variations in names were a common occurrence. As the English language changed in the Middle Ages, absorbing pieces of Latin and French, as well as other languages, the spelling of people's names also changed considerably, even over a single lifetime. Many variations of the name Dowthearde have been found, including Douthwaite, Douthert, Douthet, Douthat, Douthit, Douthirt, Douthwrait, Dowthwaite, Dowthert, Dowthet, Dowthirt and many more.

Early Notables of the Dowthearde family

More information is included under the topic Early Dowthearde Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Dowthearde family

In an attempt to escape the chaos experienced in England, many English families boarded overcrowded and diseased ships sailing for the shores of North America and other British colonies. Those families hardy enough, and lucky enough, to make the passage intact were rewarded with land and a social environment less prone to religious and political persecution. Many of these families became important contributors to the young colonies in which they settled. Early immigration and passenger lists have documented some of the first Dowtheardes to arrive on North American shores: Abraham Dowthwaite who settled in Charles Town [Charleston], South Carolina in 1796 with his brother Robert; William Douthwaite arrived in Philadelphia in 1803.



  1. Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)
  2. Barber, Henry, British Family Names London: Elliot Stock, 62 Paternoster Row, 1894. Print.
  3. Arthur, William , An Etymological Dictionary of Family and Christian Names. London: 1857. Print
  4. Harrison, Henry, Surnames of the United Kingdom: A Concise Etymological Dictionary Baltimore: Geneological Publishing Company, 2013. Print
  5. Bardsley, C.W, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames: With Special American Instances. Wiltshire: Heraldry Today, 1901. Print. (ISBN 0-900455-44-6)


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