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.
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 Regina 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. Townsend has also appeared in various sitcoms and films throughout her career, showcasing her talent and versatility in the entertainment industry. With a mix of soap operas, comedies, and dramas under her belt, Townsend continues to captivate audiences with her performances on screen.
Raymond Townsend
Raymond Anthony Townsend (born Dec 20, 1955) is a retired American professional basketball player. He played in the NBA for the Golden State Warriors and the Indiana Pacers, becoming the first Filipino-American in the league. Townsend also had a successful college career with the UCLA Bruins, winning the 1975 NCAA Championship. After his basketball career, he worked as a youth sports development coordinator in San Jose, California. Townsend's family has a strong basketball background, with his brother Kurtis being an assistant coach for the Kansas Jayhawks.
Jill Townsend
Jill Townsend (born around 1945) is an Anglo-American actress known for her roles in popular TV shows like Poldark and Cimarron Strip. She was born in Santa Monica, California, and studied at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in England. Townsend had a colorful personal life, being engaged to actor Nicol Williamson and later marrying actor Tom Sutton. After a brief acting career, she transitioned to journalism and later worked in education. Townsend is currently married to Bob Sorel and resides in the United States.
Irving Townsend
Irving Townsend (November 27, 1920 – December 17, 1981) was an American record producer and author best known for producing the iconic Miles Davis album Kind of Blue. He also served as president of the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences of the United States. Townsend started as a jazz bandleader before becoming a full-time producer, working with legendary artists like Duke Ellington and Mahalia Jackson. He wrote articles for publications like The Atlantic Monthly and co-authored John Hammond's autobiography. Townsend's influence on the jazz and recording industry is widely recognized.
Willard Saxby Townsend
Willard Saxby Townsend (Dec 4, 1895 – Feb 3, 1957) was an African-American labor leader known for improving working conditions for African-American baggage handlers in railroad terminals. He was the first African-American vice president of the Congress of Industrial Organizations and was inducted into the National Railroad Hall of Fame. Townsend also served in the United States Army during World War I and later became politically active, lobbying for worker conditions and equality. He was a key figure in the labor movement, advocating for fair treatment of all workers regardless of race or background.
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