Dous History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

• Origins Available:
• England
• Ireland

Etymology of Dous

The earliest origins of the Dous surname date from the ancient Anglo-Saxon culture of Britain. Their name reveals that an early member was a good-tempered person. The surname Dous is derived from the Old English words douce and dowce, which mean sweet, pleasant. These words, which later became doux, were ultimately derived from the Old French words dolz and dous, which had the same meaning. As a personal name, Dous was often given to females and occasionally was borne by males.

Early Origins of the Dous family

Early History of the Dous family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Dous research. Another 59 words (4 lines of text) covering the years 1582, 1619, 1630, 1640, 1648 and 1683 are included under the topic Early Dous History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Dous Spelling Variations

It is only in the last few hundred years that the English language has been standardized. For that reason, early Anglo-Saxon surnames like Dous are characterized by many spelling variations. As the English language changed and incorporated elements of other European languages, even literate people changed the spelling of their names. The variations of the name Dous include: Dowse, Dowcett, Dowsett, Dorset, Dorsett, Dowser, Dowsey and many more.

Early Notables of the Dous family

Notables of the family at this time include William Dowse of Collingborn; Edward Dowse (1582-1648), an English politician who sat in the House of Commons from 1640 to 1648; and Thomas Dowse,(c. 1630-1683), also...
Another 34 words (2 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Dous Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Dous family to Ireland

Some of the Dous family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 36 words (3 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Dous family

Many English families tired of political and religious strife left Britain for the new colonies in North America. Although the trip itself offered no relief - conditions on the ships were extremely cramped, and many travelers arrived diseased, starving, and destitute - these immigrants believed the opportunities that awaited them were worth the risks. Once in the colonies, many of the families did indeed prosper and, in turn, made significant contributions to the culture and economies of the growing colonies. An inquiry into the early roots of North American families has revealed a number of immigrants bearing the name Dous or a variant listed above: Thomas and Katherine Dowse who settled in Virginia in 1623; Charles Dowse settled in Virginia in 1643; Lawrence Dowse settled in Charlestown Massachusetts in 1630.