Owens Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Owens come from? What does the surname Owens mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Owens and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Surname Owens Origin: What does the last name Owens mean?
The surname Owens has Celtic origins, representing two distinct ethnicities: Welsh and Irish. In Welsh, Owens comes from "ab Owain," meaning "son of Owen," with Owen signifying 'noble.' This surname has been traced back to Wales in the early 16th century. In Irish Gaelic, Owens is linked to the surname Mac Eoghain. Over the centuries, the Owens surname has spread globally, with a significant presence in countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa.
YourRoots data confirms the historical presence of the Owens surname in the United Kingdom since the 16th century, with a notable increase in the United States during the 17th century. Today, the Owens surname can be found in various countries worldwide, illustrating its widespread distribution. This surname reflects a rich Celtic heritage and continues to be a prominent name across different regions and cultures in the contemporary era.
Owens Last Name History: Where did the last name Owens come from?
Origin of Owens Surname: Where does the last name Owens originate from?
The earliest record of the Owens surname can be traced back to Wales in the United Kingdom during the early 16th century, according to our YourRoots database. Please note that this only reflects the data available in the YourRoots records and does not account for variations in spelling or other sources.
History of the Last Name Owens: What does the Owens surname history look like in the early days?
The Owens surname can be traced back to the United Kingdom, specifically England and Wales, during the 16th century according to YourRoots data. During the 17th century, the surname started to show a significant increase in the United States, a trend that continued into the 18th and 19th centuries. YourRoots data indicates that the Owens surname also appeared in other countries during these centuries, suggesting a growing global spread.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Owens surname today?
By the 20th century, the Owens surname was well established in the United States, with the highest volume of records. However, the global reach of the Owens surname is not limited to the United States. The surname can be found in numerous countries around the world, including but not limited to the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa. Please note these findings are based on the volume of records available in the YourRoots database, and actual occurrences may vary.
Explore Owens last name heritage and Owens surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With Owens Surame?
Candace Owens
Candace Amber Owens Farmer (born Apr 29, 1989) is an American political commentator known for her conservative activism and criticism of Black Lives Matter. She co-founded Blexit and hosted a political talk show called Candace. Owens has been involved in controversies over her views on white supremacy, COVID-19 lockdowns, and vaccine skepticism. She gained recognition for her work at Turning Point USA and The Daily Wire. Owens' early career included running a marketing agency and launching a controversial website, Social Autopsy. Despite her polarizing opinions, Owens remains a prominent figure in conservative circles.
Rick Owens
Richard Saturnino Owens (born Nov 18, 1961) is an American fashion designer known for his avant-garde style and edgy designs. He rose to fame after Kate Moss was spotted wearing one of his leather jackets. Owens has won multiple awards for his contributions to the fashion industry, including the CFDA Lifetime Achievement Award. He has also collaborated with popular brands like Birkenstock and Champion. With a focus on unique finishes and basic garments, Owens' designs have made a significant impact on the fashion world.
Kevin Owens
Kevin Yanick Steen (May 7, 1984 - ) is a Canadian professional wrestler known as Kevin Owens in WWE. Steen has held multiple championships in WWE, including the Universal Championship and the Intercontinental Championship. He has also competed in various other promotions, such as Ring of Honor and Pro Wrestling Guerrilla, where he held several titles. Steen made headlines by headlining WrestleMania and being part of the Grand Slam Champion club in WWE. With a background in French-Canadian and Irish descent, Steen is a versatile wrestler with a strong fan following in the wrestling world.
Jesse Owens
James Cleveland "Jesse" Owens (September 12, 1913 – March 31, 1980) was an American track and field athlete who made history by winning four gold medals at the 1936 Olympic Games. Known as one of the greatest athletes in track and field, he set world records in sprints and the long jump. Owens gained international fame at the 1936 Summer Olympics in Berlin, Germany, where he single-handedly challenged Hitler's Aryan supremacy myth. His legacy lives on through the Jesse Owens Award, the highest honor in USA Track & Field. Owens' impressive athletic achievements and dedication to breaking barriers continue to inspire generations worldwide.
Terrell Owens
Terrell Eldorado Owens (December 7, 1973 - ) known as "T.O.," is a retired American football wide receiver who played 15 seasons in the NFL. He is considered one of the greatest wide receivers in NFL history, ranking third in career receiving yards and touchdowns. Owens played for iconic teams like the San Francisco 49ers, Philadelphia Eagles, and Dallas Cowboys. He was known for his flamboyant touchdown celebrations and controversial antics on and off the field. Owens was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2018, solidifying his legacy as a dominant force in professional football.
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