Surname MacGown - Meaning and Origin
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MacGown: What does the surname MacGown mean?
The last name MacGown is a combination of words from Gaelic languages meaning "son of the smith". Historically, it was most closely associated with Scotland. The name likely originated with a family who established a forge, with an accompanying blacksmith, somewhere in Scotland.
The job of the blacksmith was a necessary and highly valued trade in the old world. In most villages, a blacksmith was responsible for making the tools, household goods, and implements needed to sustain life. Their role was vitally important, and the skills of the blacksmith were held in high regard.
In more recent history, the name MacGown is still well known in Scotland and other parts of the British Isles. Those with this surname today can trace their ancestral roots back to the ancient blacksmith. Such origins strengthen a sense of connection to family and community that is so common among generations of British and Scottish heritage.
The MacGown surname is symbolic of hard work and determination, two qualities which no doubt come naturally to those bearing the name. The strength and family values of this name represents more than just an occupation of the past. To MacGowns, it’s a name which speaks of their family’s history and their place in the world.
Order DNA origin analysisMacGown: Where does the name MacGown come from?
The last name MacGown is commonly found in the southern United States, particularly in the states of Georgia, Kentucky, and Alabama. It is most likely derived from the Irish Gaelic name Mac Gabhann, which translates to “Son of Gabhan”.
MacGown is believed to have originated in Scotland, but was likely brought to the southern United States by immigrants in the mid 1800s. According to records, some of the earliest settlers with the MacGown surname lived in South Carolina in the late 1700s.
Population records for MacGown in the United States date back to 1880, when the U.S. Census showed 70 individuals living in the United States with the MacGown last name. However, the most populous state for MacGown during this time period was Kentucky, with 29 individuals.
Fast forward to 2018, the census bureau estimates that the MacGown name is most populous in Kentucky, with approximately 410 people living with the surname. Georgia is not far behind, with close to 250 MacGowns living in this state.
Today, the least populous area for MacGown is Arkansas, with just 16 people. While this is a great decline in population since 1880, MacGown is still a relatively common last name in the southern United States.
Variations of the surname MacGown
The surname MacGown has many variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. The most common variant of MacGown is ‘MacGowan’. This variant is a variant of the Gaelic-Irish surname Mac Gobhann, which translates to ‘son of the smith’. This variant can also be found spelled as ‘MacGowen’, ‘MacGowin’, and ‘MacGoun’. Another variant, ‘MacGoun’, is a derivation of the Gaelic-Irish name Mac Con, which translates to ‘son of the hound’. This variant is often spelled ‘MacGawn’ or ‘MacGowen’.
The surname MacGown has other similar surnames of the same origin. One of these is ‘MacGaw’, which is a derivation of the Gaelic-Irish name Mac Gúith, which translates to ‘son of the wind’. This variant is sometimes spelled ‘MacGwill’ or ‘MacGwul’. Another related name is ‘MacGow’, which is derived from the Gaelic-Irish name Mac Geadaigh, which translates to ‘son of the generous one’. This variant is sometimes spelled as ‘MacGowell’ or ‘MacGowel’.
The surname MacGown is also found in Scottish and English variants. Common Scottish forms include ‘MacGowan’, ‘MacGaw’, and ‘MacGoun’. The most common English forms of the name are ‘MacGowan’, ‘MacGaw’, and ‘MacGowin’.
Overall, the surname MacGown has many variants, spellings, and other surnames of the same origin. The most common variants are MacGowan, MacGowen, MacGowin, MacGoun, MacGwill, MacGwul, MacGowell, and MacGowel.
Famous people with the name MacGown
- Robert MacGown: Rob MacGown is a herpetologist and an amphibian conservation biologist, working for the Amphibian and Reptile Diversity Research Center at Texas A&M University.
- Will MacGown: Will MacGown is a singer-songwriter who has released two albums since 2010.
- Keith MacGown: Keith MacGown is a professional golfer, having won multiple amateur titles and achieving success on the PGA Tour.
- James MacGown: James MacGown is an actor and comedian based in Los Angeles.
- Sarah MacGown: Sarah MacGown is a guitar player and music producer, releasing an EP in 2018.
- Stephen MacGown: Stephen MacGown is a filmmaker and documentarian with credits in short films and features.
- John MacGown: John MacGown is a multi-instrumentalist, performing in a number of indie rock projects.
- Zoe MacGown: Zoe MacGown is an actress, primarily known for her role in a Hallmark movie in 2017. 9.Hope MacGown: Hope MacGown is a fashion designer, who has designed a range of luxury accessories for fashion retailer Louis Vuitton.
- Sean MacGown: Sean MacGown is a baseball coach, having worked for multiple Major League Baseball teams in various roles.