Surname Cowing - Meaning and Origin
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Cowing: What does the surname Cowing mean?
The surname Cowing is of English origin and is believed to have derived from Cowen or Cowan, which are occupations in England. The word Cowan refers to someone who is a builder or mason by profession, suggesting that the first people bearing this surname likely worked in these trades.
Another interpretation is that it is linked to places in England named Cowley or Cowhill, which were derived from the pre 7th Century Old English "cu-hyll", meaning "hill where cows graze". This suggests that the surname could possibly refer to individuals or families who lived in those areas.
It is also believed that the last name Cowing could be a patronymic form of the personal name "Cow", and the "-ing" ending often represents "son of" or "descendant of".
Like many surnames, the exact origins can be difficult to trace due to changes in spelling and pronunciation over centuries. The meaning of the surname Cowing can therefore vary based on geographical origins, familial occupation, or familial lineage.
Order DNA origin analysisCowing: Where does the name Cowing come from?
The surname Cowing is of Anglo-Saxon origin, derived from the Old English personal name Cowan or Colan, which means "bold" or "valiant". It's also possible it originated as a nickname from "cu" meaning cow, denoting someone who cared for cattle.
The surname dates back to the late 12th century and variations in the idiom of the spelling include Cowan, Cowen, Cowin, and Couin, among others. It can also be associated with the Scottish-Gaelic personal name Comhghan, meaning "born together" – traditionally meant for twins.
Today, the surname Cowing is more commonly found in English-speaking countries particularly the United Kingdom (especially in the northern English counties of Yorkshire and Lancashire) and the United States. There is also a small cluster of the Cowing surname in Australia. However, it remains an uncommon surname with fewer bearers globally.
Variations of the surname Cowing
The surname Cowing is of Old Norse origin and it is believed to have originated from the personal name Koli, with the suffix 'ing' meaning 'son or descendant of'. Cowing may also have evolved from the word 'chowen', a term used in the cattle industry.
Different variants and spellings of the surname Cowing can include Cowen, Cowan, Cowin, Cowyn, Cowing, Cowings, Cowyns, and Coen. It's important to note that while these variants have similar spellings and may sound similar, they may have distinct origins and meanings. For example, Cowan is of Scottish and Irish origin and means 'dweller at the hill' while Coen is of Irish origin and means 'exalted'.
Surnames that might be of the same origin as Cowing include Cowing, Cowling, and Coving. These surnames share a similar structure and phonetic elements to Cowing, and they also have origins related to personal names or occupations.
In some cases, Cowing might be misspelled dropping the 'g' or replacing the 'o' with an 'a', leading to spellings such as Cowin, Cawing, or Cowind. A variant with an added syllable can be Cowling. The 'g' can also be replaced with 'k' or 'x', resulting in Cowink or Cowinx.
Famous people with the name Cowing
- Rob Cowing: Robert "Rob" Cowing is a British journalist and writer, most recognized for his work with The Daily Mail and The Times.
- Keith Cowing: An American scientist, Keith Cowing is a former NASA astrobiologist. He's also the founder and editor of the NASA Watch, an online publication that offers news and critiques about NASA.
- James Cowing: A prominent figure in the field of technology, James Cowing is the Director of Architecture and Engineering at Zilkr Labs.
- Chuck Cowing: An accomplished real estate agent in Northern Virginia, Chuck Cowing is known for his award-winning services in the real estate industry.
- Bill Cowing: Bill Cowing was a professional baseball player who played in Minor League Baseball in the early 1900s.
- Sir Frederick Cowing: Sir Frederick Cowing was a British civil servant who served as the Treasury Solicitor from 1958 to 1971. Please note that the last name "Cowing" is not particularly common among celebrities or renowned historical figures, and these individuals may not all meet conventional definitions of "fame."