Skip Ancestry navigation Skip to Footer Ancestry Home
  • Home
  • Trees
  • Search
  • Memories
  • DNA
  • Subscribe
  • Cart
  • Sign In
Home
Loading

Trees you own

    Shared with you

      Tree tools

      • My Trees
      • First Name Meanings
      • Last Name Meanings
      • Individual Records Search
      • Family Trees Support
      • Start a New Tree
      • Upload a GEDCOM
      Loading
      • Search All Records
      • Census & Electoral Rolls
      • Birth, Marriage & Death, including Parish
      • Military
      • Wills & Probate
      • Immigration & Travel
      • Schools, Directories & Church Histories
      • Public Member Trees
      • Card Catalogue
      • Member Search
      Memories
      Loading
      • Register a kit
      • AncestryDNA® Learning Hub
      • Traits Learning Hub
      • AncestryDNA®
      • AncestryDNA® Support
      Loading
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Academy
      • Community
      • Hire an expert
      • Site Status
      Loading
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Academy
      • Community
      • Hire an expert
      • Site Status
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Blog
      • About Us
      • Site Map
      • Gift Memberships
      • Careers
        • Ancestry Corporate
        • Fold3.com
        • ForcesWarRecords.com
        • Geneanet.org
        • Newspapers.com
        • ProGenealogists.com
        • RootsWeb.com
      • © 2002-2026 Ancestry
      • Privacy
      • Cookies
      • Terms and Conditions
      • Operated by Ancestry Ireland Unlimited Company

      Meaning of the first name
      Townsend

      Origin 
      English

      Meaning 
      From the Dnd of the Town

      Variations 
      Townley, Townes

      *Some content has been generated by an artificial intelligence language model, in combination with data sourced from Ancestry records and provided by BabyNames.com.
      The name Townsend originated from England and has its roots in the English language. It is derived from a combination of two words: town and end. The word town refers to a settlement or community, while end signifies the outermost part or boundary. Therefore, the name Townsend translates to From the end of the town, suggesting that it was initially used to describe individuals residing on the outskirts or border of a town.

      Throughout history, the name Townsend has been recorded in various documents and historical records. It was primarily used as a name to identify specific individuals within a community. These individuals were often recognized as belonging to a particular town's periphery, distinguishing them from those who lived in the center or heart of the settlement. Over time, the name Townsend has become more than just a descriptive term, evolving into a hereditary family name.

      In modern-day usage, the name Townsend continues to be employed as both a first name and a name. It continues to carry the connotations of its historical origins, representing a connection to a specific place or geographical location. Additionally, the name has become more widespread, transcending cultural boundaries and being embraced by individuals of various backgrounds. The versatile usage of the name Townsend in both history and contemporary society highlights its enduring presence and relevance to individuals seeking an ancestral or geographic association.
      Based on our records...
      This is the most common surname, spouse name and child name associated with Townsend.
      Smith

      is the most common surname for Townsend.

      Mary

      is the most common spouse name for Townsend.

      Townsend

      is the most common child name for Townsend.

      Start your curiosity engines.

      Ready to learn more about your own family? Here are two ways to begin.
      Free Trial
      Order Ancestry
      did_you_know_bar
      Based on our records...
      Did you know?
      1877 is when there were the most people born with the first name Townsend.

      We'll guide you through the process of building and growing your tree

      Explore the origins of another name.