Show ContentsDowthwayte History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The ancestors of the Dowthwayte surname lived among the ancient Anglo-Saxon culture. The name comes from when they lived 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 Dowthwayte family

The surname Dowthwayte 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 Dowthwayte family

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

Dowthwayte Spelling Variations

Before English spelling was standardized a few hundred years ago, spelling variations of names were a common occurrence. Elements of Latin, French and other languages became incorporated into English through the Middle Ages, and name spellings changed even among the literate. The variations of the surname Dowthwayte include Douthwaite, Douthert, Douthet, Douthat, Douthit, Douthirt, Douthwrait, Dowthwaite, Dowthert, Dowthet, Dowthirt and many more.

Early Notables of the Dowthwayte family

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

Migration of the Dowthwayte family

A great wave of immigration to the New World was the result of the enormous political and religious disarray that struck England at that time. Families left for the New World in extremely large numbers. The long journey was the end of many immigrants and many more arrived sick and starving. Still, those who made it were rewarded with an opportunity far greater than they had known at home in England. These emigrant families went on to make significant contributions to these emerging colonies in which they settled. Some of the first North American settlers carried this name or one of its variants: 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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