Townsend Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Townsend come from? What does the surname Townsend mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Townsend and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Town, Townshend, Townzen
Surname Townsend Origin: What does the last name Townsend mean?
Townsend is a topographic surname originating from Yorkshire and Norfolk, indicating residence at the extremity of a city or burgh. The Middle English components "touun" meaning "village" or "hamlet" and "ende" meaning "end" combined to form Townsend. Records show its appearance in the United Kingdom in the early 13th century, with a notable migration to the United States in subsequent centuries. By the 17th century, the surname had gained prominence in the United States, surpassing its presence in the United Kingdom.
YourRoots data confirms the historical spread of the Townsend surname, showcasing its prevalence in the United States and the United Kingdom. The surname's origin and meaning reflect a connection to specific geographical locations and a legacy of settlement patterns. Today, the Townsend surname continues to be prominent in both countries, with a notable presence in other regions as well, illustrating its enduring legacy and widespread distribution.
Townsend Last Name History: Where did the last name Townsend come from?
Origin of Townsend Surname: Where does the last name Townsend originate from?
According to YourRoots data, the surname Townsend first appeared in records from the United Kingdom around the early 13th century. Please note that this reflects only YourRoots data for the exact "Townsend" spelling and does not include other record sources or surname variations.
History of the Last Name Townsend: What does the Townsend surname history look like in the early days?
The "Townsend" surname remained closely associated with the United Kingdom from the 13th through the 15th century. YourRoots data also shows Townsend family records in the United States, indicating a migration and spread over the centuries.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Townsend surname today?
By the 17th century, the volume of records with the Townsend surname grew significantly in the United States, surpassing the United Kingdom, a trend that continued into the 18th and 19th centuries. The "Townsend" surname remains prominent in the United States and has a notable presence in the United Kingdom. Further data would be required to provide a more comprehensive global spread of the surname.
Explore Townsend last name heritage and Townsend surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With Townsend Surame?
Tammy Townsend
Tammy Townsend (August 17, 1970) is an American actress and singer known for her roles in popular TV shows like Days of Our Lives, Family Matters, and K.C. Undercover. With a career spanning from the 80s to the present, Townsend has showcased her talent in various sitcoms, films, and soap operas.
Jill Townsend
Jill Townsend (born around 1945) is an Anglo-American actress known for her roles in "Poldark" and "Cimarron Strip." She had a colorful personal life, marrying Nicol Williamson and later Alan Price. After retiring from acting, she pursued journalism and education before settling down with Bob Sorel in 1993.
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