Surname MacGowen - Meaning and Origin
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MacGowen: What does the surname MacGowen mean?
The last name MacGowen or MacGowan is an Irish surname, as well as a popular Scottish name. The origin of the name is derived from the Gaelic Mac Gubhainn, which means "son of the smith." The meaning ties back to a talented worker in metal, most likely a blacksmith.
It is believed that the name originated in Leinster, Ireland, with a group of Argyll clans in a region known as Argyll. There, the Gaelic Mac Gubhainn was changed to MacGowen or MacGowan when it crossed over into Scotland.
The MacGowen surname appears to be quite common in Scotland, as well as in Australia, the United States, and Canada. It is also found in parts of England and Northern Ireland.
Throughout history, the MacGowen family has made a great contribution in the field of mathematics, engineering, and physics. Academic and scientific knowledge have been passed down through generations. This is an impressive legacy that has been built for centuries and that carries on today in the form of accomplished descendants.
Furthermore, the name also has had quite a few famous faces over the years. This includes Dean MacGowan, one of the earliest television celebrities in the United States, and John MacGowen, an award-winning filter engineer.
All in all, the MacGowen surname is steeped in a rich heritage of fine talent, capable minds, and strong characters. It is an exemplary name that is sure to live on for generations to come.
Order DNA origin analysisMacGowen: Where does the name MacGowen come from?
The last name MacGowen is believed to have come from Mac an tSagairt or Mac Gowan, which can be found in Ireland and Scotland. It is most commonly found in Scotland today, especially in Ayrshire, Argyll and Bute, and the Scottish Borders. However, it is also found in Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Australia.
In Scotland, the MacGowen surname can be found primarily in the central and northern areas from the Clyde to the Mounth, where historically most of the Scottish clans settled. It is particularly common in Aberdeenshire and Perthshire, two counties that border each other in the east of our country. The Irish variant of this name is McGrath.
In Canada, MacGowens are believed to have migrated to the country from Scotland in the mid-18th century. They primarily settled in small communities located outside of major cities, particularly in the province of Ontario. There is also a substantial presence of the MacGowen surname in New Zealand, as many Scots emigrated to this country in the 19th and 20th centuries.
The United States also has a large population of MacGowens, primarily living in the states of North and South Carolina, Texas, and Louisiana. In fact, the South Carolina MacGowens are believed to be the descendants of Scottish settlers who arrived as early as 1767. Australia, too, has a sizable population of the MacGowen surname. They are believed to have arrived as early as 1820.
Overall, the last name MacGowen is most commonly found in Scotland today with other scattered populations in a few other countries, particularly in the British Commonwealth.
Variations of the surname MacGowen
The surname MacGowen is derived from the Gaelic Mac Gabhann, which is derived from the word the cliff. Variants of the name MacGowen include MacGowan, MacGawen, MacFahyan, MacFaghgan, Ganown, Gawn, Gawen, Gowen, Macögan and MacGaughan. MacGowen is also sometimes spelled MacGowing, MacGowin and McGowan. It is also sometimes found in the abbreviated form McG.
Surnames related to MacGowen include MacGormican, MacGoughen, and MacGowon. It is also commonly associated with the less common surnames, MacGauvran, MacGovan and MacGowley. Many of these related names have variants where 'Mc' is replaced with 'Mac'.
MacGowen is often confused with MacGowan, Goen, Gowan, and Gowin, however these are all separate and distinct surnames which do not share ancestry with MacGowen.
Although primarily found in Ireland, MacGowen is also commonly found in Scotland, particularly in the Scottish island of Coll, where there is a record of MacGowen members in the 17th century. It is also found in countries such as the United States, Australia and Canada.
MacGowens are propagated by their motto: “Nil sine labore” which translates to “Nothing without labour”. News of MacGowens can be found in many newspaper articles, describing heroic acts and charitable work undertaken by its members.
Despite being a relatively rare surname, MacGowen is distinguished by its many spellings and variations, as well as its strong historical connection to Gaelic culture. It is an enduring surname that shows no signs of disappearing.
Famous people with the name MacGowen
- John MacGowen: American actor best known for his roles in "The Unforgettable Fire" (1949) and "Dangerous Crossings" (1953).
- John Gavin MacGowen: British poet and painter who was part of the British Army during World War II.
- Francis MacGowen: British actor and director known for his roles in movies like "Get Carter" (1971) and "The Remains Of The Day" (1993).
- David MacGowen: British actor best known for his performances in the BBC miniseries "The Blackadder" (1983).
- Annette MacGowen: American actress, best known for her role in "The Big Chill" (1983).
- Michael MacGowen: British actor who starred in the BBC comedy "Goodnight Sweetheart" (1993-1999).
- Chris MacGowen: British actor best known for his role in the Harry Potter movies.
- Mark MacGowen: American actor and musician, best known for his roles in "Blue Wasabi" (2016) and "Sex And Love In The 21st Century" (2012).
- Abby MacGowen: English actress, best known for her role in the television series "The Inbetweeners" (2012-2014).
- Alan MacGowen: Welsh actor who starred in the popular TV show "Doctor Who" (2005-2010).