COWAN
Cowan
Origin and Meaning: The surname Cowan is of Scottish and Northern Irish origin, derived from the Gaelic word "MacEòghainn," meaning 'son of Eòghann.' Eòghann was a personal name of unknown origin but likely signified "born of the yew."
History: The Cowan surname is found predominantly in Scotland, particularly in the borders region where many families were involved in agricultural activities. It is also commonly found in Northern Ireland, brought there by Scottish settlers during the Plantation of Ulster in the 17th century.
Distribution: As of recent records, the Cowan surname is most prevalent in Scotland, Northern Ireland, and England. Notable concentrations can also be found in countries with historical connections to the British Isles, such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
Famous Individuals:
- Gillian Cowan (b. 1982): British athlete, Commonwealth Games gold medallist in rhythmic gymnastics.
- Alastair Cowan (1930–2000): Scottish footballer who played for Heart of Midlothian and represented Scotland at the international level.
- Lorraine Cowan (b. 1971): British actress known for roles in various theatre productions and television series.
Coat of Arms: The Cowan family crest typically features elements symbolising strength, loyalty, and family heritage. Common symbols found on Cowan coats of arms include shields, chevrons, lions, and other heraldic imagery.
Variants: Variants of the Cowan surname include Cowen, Cohen, McCowan, and Mccowan, each with its own regional and historical significance.
Modern Significance: Today, individuals with the Cowan surname continue to be an integral part of the diverse and vibrant British and international societies, contributing to various fields such as business, academia, sports, and the arts. The Cowan name serves as a reminder of the rich history and cultural heritage of the British Isles.
There are approximately 14,501 people named Cowan in the UK. That makes it the 610th most common surname in Britain. Around 223 in a million people in Britain are named Cowan.
Surname type: From given name or forename
Origin: Celtic
Region of origin: British Isles
Country of origin: Scotland
Religion of origin: Christian
Language of origin: Gaelic
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- Alan
- Andrew
- David
- James
- John
- Michael
- Paul
- Robert
- Thomas
- William
Female
- Elizabeth
- Emma
- Helen
- Jacqueline
- Jean
- Jennifer
- Joanne
- Margaret
- Mary
- Sarah
- Susan