I beg to differ - From a family surname history my Father had compiled on the Bowden name; "Though shrouded by the mists of time, the chronicles of Scotland reveal the early records of the Norman surname BOWDEN..........Diligent analysis by professional researchers using such ancient manuscripts as the Domesday book, the Ragman rolls, the Wace poem, the honour roll of the Battel abbey, etc, etc.........shows the first record of the name Bowden was found in Cheshire where they were seated from very early times and were granted lands by Duke William of Normandy, for their distinguished assistance at the Battle of Hastings in 1066. They were originally of Bodin in Normandy." Regards, Melanie Walker (nee Bowden) ----- Original Message ----- From: "Ruth Padilla" <ruthptb@tcac.net> To: <BOWDEN-L@rootsweb.com> Sent: 16 November 2000 13:45 Subject: Re: Bowdens -DEFINITION > Peter! Please tell us more! Thanks, > Ruth > > >GREETINGS BOWDENS > >A CORNISH BOWDEN COUSIN EXPLAINS THUS:- > > > >The problem with the Bowden surname is that it originates not just in > >Cornwall, but also in England, by that I mean that the the Cornish > >version originates from a Celtic word,"Baudouin" whereas the English > >version is from old English "Lives under a Tree" or something like > >that...."Den under a Bough" springs to mind.... > >