The Welsh surname Owens, also found in England and Ireland, is derived from the Welsh personal name Owain, probably a borrowing in Roman times of Latin Eugenius, but possibly of more ancient Celtic origin, cognate with Gaelic Eoghan. When found in Ireland the name Owens is an anglicized form of the Gaelic name  Mac Eoghain  meaning “son of Eoghan.” The earliest reference to the name is Ralph Owein in the Assize Rolls of Warwickshire in 1221. Owen Gwynedd was a 12th Century Welsh chieftain, and Owen Glendower (Owain Glyndwr), 1353 - 1416, the greatest hero of Welsh history. Notable bearers of teh surname Owens in modern times include James Cleveland Owens known more commonly as Jesse Owens. Jesse Owens was born in Oakville, Alabama in 1913. He was an accomplished Track and Field star who went on to win a record 4 Gold medlas at the 1936 Olympic games. Jesse Owens died at the age of 66 in Tucson, Arizona in 1980.