Sowerby Surname

The Origin of the Surname Sowerby

The surname Sowerby is of English origin, and is believed to be locational. It is derived from the place name Sowerby in the counties of Yorkshire and Lancashire in northern England. The name is composed of the Old Norse personal name "Sǫfurr" or "Sámr" and the Old Norse word "býr", meaning "farm" or "settlement". Therefore, the name Sowerby translates to "Sámr's farm" or "Sǫfurr's settlement".

Early Records and Variations of the Surname

The surname Sowerby has been recorded in various documents throughout history, dating back to the Domesday Book of 1086, where it is mentioned as "Sorebi". Over the centuries, the spelling of the surname has evolved and undergone several variations, including Sowerbie, Sourbey, and Sowerbye.

One notable individual with the surname Sowerby was James Sowerby (1757-1822), an English naturalist, illustrator, and mineralogist. He is best known for his detailed botanical illustrations and contributions to the fields of botany and mineralogy.

Distribution of the Surname Sowerby

According to data from various countries, the surname Sowerby is most commonly found in England, particularly in the counties of Yorkshire and Lancashire, where the place name Sowerby is located. It is also present in other English-speaking countries such as Australia, the United States, New Zealand, and Canada.

In England, the incidence of the surname Sowerby is highest in the region of England, with a total of 3631 occurrences. It is followed by Australia with 572 occurrences, the United States with 474 occurrences, New Zealand with 286 occurrences, and Canada with 284 occurrences. The surname is less common in other countries, with the lowest incidence being in Qatar with only 1 occurrence.

Notable Individuals with the Surname Sowerby

Aside from James Sowerby, there have been other notable individuals with the surname Sowerby who have made significant contributions to various fields. One such individual is Richard Sowerby, a politician and member of the British Parliament. Another is Sarah Sowerby, a renowned artist known for her intricate sculptures and installations.

The surname Sowerby has also been associated with various businesses and institutions, such as Sowerby & Luff, a prominent law firm in Yorkshire, and Sowerby Brothers, a well-known retail chain specializing in homeware and electronics.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the surname Sowerby has a rich history and is of English origin. It is derived from the place name Sowerby in Yorkshire and Lancashire, and is believed to have been first used as a locational surname to identify individuals who resided in or near the settlement. The name has evolved over time and is still found in various countries around the world, with the highest incidence being in England.

The surname Sowerby in the world

Globalization has meant that surnames spread far beyond their nation of origin, such that it is achievable to find African surnames in Europe or Indian surnames in Oceania. The same takes place when it comes to Sowerby, which as you're able to corroborate, it may be stated that it is a surname which can be present in most of the nations for the world. In the same manner there are countries by which definitely the density of individuals with the surname Sowerby is more than far away.

The map for the Sowerby surname

View Sowerby surname map

The likelihood of examining for a world map about which countries hold more Sowerby in the world, assists us a whole lot. By placing ourselves on the map, on a concrete nation, we can start to see the concrete number of people with the surname Sowerby, to obtain in this way the precise information of all of the Sowerby you could currently get in that nation. All of this additionally helps us to comprehend not merely where the surname Sowerby comes from, but also in what manner the people that are originally area of the household that bears the surname Sowerby have relocated and relocated. Just as, you'll be able to see in which places they will have settled and developed, which is the reason why if Sowerby is our surname, it appears interesting to which other countries of this world it will be possible this 1 of our ancestors once relocated to.

Countries with more Sowerby on earth

Sowerby Surname

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