Townsen is a surname of Yorkshire and Norfolk origin. In English its meaning is a topographic name indicating residence at the extremity of a city or village (From Middle English touun (‘village’, ‘settlement’) + ende (‘end’). The name is first found originating from Norfolk where people of the surname were seated as Lords of the manor of Snoring Magna (Great Snoring) in England from ancient times. Popular variants are Townshend (of Norfolk variety), and Townend.