'Owens' Irish or Welsh?

Question

My family name is Owens and it seems to be a commonly Welsh last name, but the weird thing is that my father was raised a Catholic in Boston. I've heard Owens can be a Irish name, which would make more sense then Welsh due to us being Catholic? I'd like to learn more about my family history but my Grandfather is dead and his family has moved away and never stayed in touch. My father was never close with the Owens side of his family and doesn't no many facts about his own father and pretty much nothing about his parents.

Answer 1

Owens is Welsh. Not only is it a family name on my family tree, but it is one of many names I have researched.

See: "Annals and Antiquities of the Counties and County Family of Wales: Containing a record of all ranks of the gentry, their lineage, alliances, appointments, amorial ensigns, and residences; ancient pedigrees and memeorials of old and exting families; notices of the history, antiquities, physical features, chief estates, geology, and industry of each county; rolls of high sheriffs and members of Parliament for three hundred years, etc., etc. Second issue, revised and much enlarged." by Thomas Nicholas, A Heritage Classic.

Answer 2

My family name is also Owens, and I was always told it's German (which in my famiyl could mean anywhere within 1000 miles of the German borders).  However, it's both Irish and Welsh (not German), and I think I remember something about it being Gaelic adopted.

Answer 3

http://www.cyndislist.com/beginner.htm

Stop.

Do you want to know where your name came from, or where your family came from?  NOT ALWAYS THE SAME.

You can learn where records are, about your family, far more easily than you think.. in fact, historical records are easier than living persons. From records, you find the place of birth for the immigrant ancestor.

As it already has occurred to you, names can come from more than one place. Trying to guess which is right, is like dart throwing.  Tracing the PERSON is more accurate.  

Answer 4

Owens is a very welsh name,

It could be a corruption to an irish name i suppose O'wen such as o'hara and so forth, But no i can guarantee you it's purly welsh,

There are Welsh catholics too mind, Don't forget that before the 17th century Wales was fiercly catholic, There are still large catholic communities in Wales, I am  a Welsh catholic, My mother is a Roman Catholic and we are as welsh as can be.

My surname by the way is Jones haha.

Answer 5

As Welsh as can be !