Surname Cowings - Meaning and Origin

Cowings: What does the surname Cowings mean?

The last name Cowings is of English origin. It likely derived from an old English nickname, cowinge/cowyng, which means "cunning" or "skillful." This likely refers to a person having a superior knack for craftsmanship or dexterity.

Cowings could have also originated as a habitational name, from the place names Cowyngston or Cowyngton. These place names likely derive from the Old English terms cocing, meaning "scarce" or "headstrong," and tun, meaning "enclosure" or "settlement."

The Cowings surname has a rich heritage, and is found in England, Scotland, Ireland, and even in some parts of Australia, Canada, and the United States. In recent decades, the name Cowings has been quite common in England, where it ranks as the 444th most common surname.

The Cowings surname continues to rise in popularity, as an increasing number of people adopt it as their family name. The surname, and its variations, all evoke a sense of strength in skill and craftsmanship while allowing for a unique identity to carry on over generations.

Cowings: Where does the name Cowings come from?

The surname Cowings is of Anglo-Saxon origin and it likely evolved from an occupational name for a cowherd, or from a nickname, 'the cows'. It traces back to medieval England. Variants include Cowing, Cowin, and Cowen. It is believed the surname has elements of both Celtic and Old English origins, as the occupations and nicknames that could have inspired the name were common in these communities. Despite its roots in the UK, the name Cowings is quite rare today even there. From available data, the surname Cowings appears to have the most prevalence in the United States at present, although it remains a relatively uncommon name on a broader scale. Many of the Cowings in the United States are descendants of African slaves who adopted the surname of their former enslavers following emancipation, a common practice during this period in history. The name is scattered across various states, with no specific concentration in any particular region.

Variations of the surname Cowings

The surname Cowings does not seem to have a lot of common variants due to its unique spelling. It seems to be predominantly used in English-speaking countries and is quite rare. The name doesn't appear to directly relate to any specific occupation or geographical region, suggesting it may be a derivative of another surname or perhaps evolved from a less common first name.

Examining surnames with similar sounds and spellings might give us clues to its origin or other possible variants. It could possibly be a phonetic variant of "Coatings," which might suggest an occupational origin related to clothing or fabric making.

"Cowen" or "Cowin" could also be potential variants if the surname originally had a different vowel in the second syllable, or if the "s" ending was added later.

"Cowing" might be another potential variant, with the "s" possibly being added for possessive or plural purposes, as is common in English surnames.

Finally, "Cowlings" could also be related, if the original took a spelling with an "l" instead of an "i". Continuing research into local names, regional dialects, and historical documents may reveal more possible variants for the Cowings surname.

Famous people with the name Cowings

• Lauryn Cowings: Professional soccer player for the Orlando Pride women's team in the National Women's Soccer League.
• Lily Cowings: Professional hockey player and two-time Olympic gold medalist.
• Steve Cowings: Football player and former running back for the Baltimore Ravens and New Orleans Saints.
• Mark Cowings: Former professional basketball player for the Sacramento Kings and the Canadian national basketball team.
• Tyrone Cowings: Retired professional baseball player who played for the Pittsburgh Pirates and St. Louis Cardinals.
• Jacob Cowings: Retired professional lacrosse player and member of Team USA for the World Indoor Lacrosse Championship.
• Joe Cowings: Former NFL and CFL quarterback.
• Taylor Cowings: Professional figure skater who competed at the 2014 US National Championships.
• Joshua Cowings: Retired professional golfer who played on the PGA Tour and Nationwide Tour.
• Charles Cowings: Notable zoologist and doctor of evolutionary biology, who is a leading expert on the evolution of coral reefs.

Other surnames

CowinCowing