Cowe

Cowe is a surname of British origin, predominantly found in Scotland and the northern regions of England. The name is most commonly believed to be of Anglo-Saxon descent, deriving from the Old English word "cu," meaning cow or cattle.

Origins:

The surname Cowe is thought to have originated as an occupational name for someone who worked as a cowherd or a cattle farmer. In medieval times, cattle farming was a crucial part of the economy, and those who tended to cows held important roles within their communities.

Distribution:

The surname Cowe is most commonly found in Scotland and the northern counties of England, particularly in areas with a history of agriculture and farming. Over time, migration and dispersal have led to Cowe families establishing roots in other parts of the United Kingdom and beyond.

Notable Individuals:

  • Harvey Cowe - A renowned agricultural scientist who made significant contributions to the field of livestock nutrition during the 20th century.
  • Elsie Cowe - A prominent philanthropist and advocate for rural education in the early 1900s, known for her efforts to improve educational opportunities for children in farming communities.

Variants:

Variants of the Cowe surname include Cow, Coo, and Cowe. These variations may have arisen due to phonetic changes or regional dialect differences over time.

Coat of Arms:

The Cowe family is associated with a traditional Coat of Arms, typically featuring symbols related to agriculture, such as cows or sheaves of wheat. These emblems often served as marks of identification and pride for the family.

In modern times, individuals carrying the surname Cowe have diversified across various professions and industries, reflecting the changing landscape of British society. Despite this evolution, the heritage of the Cowe surname continues to be a reminder of the historical significance of agriculture and rural life in the British Isles.

There are approximately 1,401 people named Cowe in the UK. That makes it roughly the 5,672nd most common surname in Britain. Around 22 in a million people in Britain are named Cowe.

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Alexander
  • Andrew
  • David
  • George
  • Ian
  • James
  • John
  • Michael
  • Robert
  • Steven
  • William

Female

  • Alison
  • Anne
  • Catherine
  • Dorothy
  • Elizabeth
  • Fiona
  • Helen
  • Jean
  • Margaret
  • Mary
  • Susan

Similar and related surnames

Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.

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