MACGOWAN
Also recorded as Mac Gowan, Macgowan
MacGowan
The surname MacGowan, also spelled as McGowan, is an ancient Scottish and Irish surname of Gaelic origin. It is derived from the Old Gaelic name "Mac Gabhann," meaning "son of the blacksmith."
The MacGowan clan is believed to have originated in Scotland and Ireland, with various branches settling in different regions over the centuries. The name is mostly found in counties such as Donegal and Tyrone in Ireland, and in Argyll and the Western Isles in Scotland.
The MacGowans were traditionally associated with the trade of blacksmithing, a significant occupation in medieval society as blacksmiths were highly skilled craftsmen responsible for crafting tools, weapons, and other metalwork essential for everyday life.
Throughout history, those bearing the MacGowan surname have been noted for their resilience, creativity, and craftsmanship. Many MacGowans have distinguished themselves in their respective communities through their talents and skills.
Today, the surname MacGowan remains relatively common in Scotland and Ireland, and it can be found among individuals around the world, particularly in countries with a significant Scottish or Irish diaspora.
As with many surnames, variations in spelling such as McGowan, MacGowen, and Gowen may be encountered due to historical factors and regional influences.
Overall, the surname MacGowan is a testament to the rich cultural heritage of Scotland and Ireland, reflecting the importance of craftsmanship and the enduring legacy of ancient clans in British history.
There are approximately 422 people named MacGowan in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around six in a million people in Britain are named MacGowan.
Surname type: From name of parent
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
- Andrew
- Christopher
- David
- Gordon
- Iain
- Jason
- John
- Paul
- Peter
- Stephen
- Thomas
- William
Female
- Caroline
- Catherine
- Charlotte
- Christine
- Elizabeth
- Jean
- Karen
- Laura
- Linda
- Lisa
- Margaret
- Mary
- Rosalind
Similar and related surnames
- Maccowan
- Macewan
- Macgoun
- Macgown
- Macowan
- Macwan
- Macween
- Magowan
- Magowen
- Magwin
- Makawana
- Makwana
- Mccowan
- Mccowen
- Mcgowan
- Mcgowen
- Mcgowhan
- Mcgowin
- Mcguan
- Mcguane
- Mcgwen
- Mcgwin
- Mckeowan
- Mckeowen
- Mckeowin
- Mckewan
- Mckewen
- Mckewin
- Mckewon
- Mckowen
- Mckowin
- Mcowan
- Mcowen
- Mcwayne
- Mcwean
- Mcwinnie
- Megowan
- Mgowan
- Mokwena
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.