Surname Cowen - Meaning and Origin

Cowen: What does the surname Cowen mean?

The surname Cowen is of both Irish and English origin. In Irish, it is derived from the Gaelic name "Mac Eoghain" which means "son of Eoghan". Eoghan itself means "born of the Yew tree". Alternatively, it could also be interpreted as a derivative of "Mac Cobhthaigh", which means "son of the victorious one".

In English, Cowen is thought to have developed from the occupational name "Cowan", which means "cow herder". Another variant suggests it may have originated from "Couwen", meaning "jackdaw", a bird popular in folklore and often associated with wisdom.

However, in both the Irish and English versions, the surname carries a strong sense of ancestry, reflecting a kinship, trade, or characteristic of the family's patriarch. Like many surnames, exact interpretations can vary widely given the many regional dialects and spellings present in centuries past when such names first came into use.

Cowen: Where does the name Cowen come from?

The surname Cowen has roots in both Ireland and Scotland. In Ireland, it is an Anglicized form of the Gaelic "Mac Eoghain," which means "son of Eoghan." Meanwhile in Scotland, it is derived from the personal name "Comhghan" which means "born together." Over the years, modifications and variations in spelling like Cowan, Cowin, and Cowen emerged.

Today, the surname Cowen is prevalent in the United States, with a significant number of Cowens located in states such as Ohio, Pennsylvania, and New York. There is also a considerable concentration of individuals with this surname in the United Kingdom, particularly in England and Scotland. To a lesser extent, the surname Cowen can be found in countries like Canada, Australia, and of course, in Ireland and Scotland. However, numbers in the latter countries have decreased over the centuries due to emigration. Meanwhile, in some regions, the name has completely disappeared through intermarriage and name change.

Variations of the surname Cowen

The surname Cowen has links to Irish, Scottish, and English roots. It is derived from the Gaelic name "Mac Eoghain," which means "son of Eoghan." Its spelling variations include Cowan, Cowin, Cohen, Cohan, Cowen, Cowens, Cowyn, and Cowend. Other similar surnames with slightly different origin stories are McCowen, McCowan, McCowan, MacCowan, and MacCowen.

In Scotland, it may also be spelled as Cowan or Cowen. In Ireland, other variants might include Coen, Owen, or Eoin. In Jewish communities, it may be spelled Cohen or Kohen, which is derived from the Hebrew name Kahana, meaning priest.

There are also surnames that sound similar but have different origins like Coven, Coveney, or Covin. Some may even confuse it with the Welsh origin surname Bowen. It's important to note that while these names may appear or sound similar, their origins and meanings can vary significantly.

Therefore, although these surnames are spelled or pronounced similarly to Cowen, each name has its own unique cultural and historical background.

Famous people with the name Cowen

• Tyler Cowen: An American economist, academic, and writer. He is a professor at George Mason University, where he holds the Holbert L. Harris chair in economics. He is also the co-author of the popular economics blog Marginal Revolution.
• Richard Cowen: A renowned geologist and paleontologist. He is best known for his work in analyzing patterns of evolution and extinction in the fossil record.
• Jonathan Cowen: A British barrister, who has frequently appeared in high profile cases in the UK.
• Elisa Cowen: An American poet known for her association with the Beat generation poets. She attended Barnard College with Allen Ginsberg, and their close friendship influenced their respective work.
• Zelman Cowen: An Australian legal scholar and university administrator who served as the Governor-General of Australia from 1977 to 1982.
• Lee Cowen: An American television journalist, who has contributed to CBS Sunday Morning and NBC Nightly News, among other outlets.
• Louise Cowan: An American literary critic, poet, and teacher. She was instrumental in developing the University of Dallas's Institute of Philosophic Studies.

Other surnames

Cowels