Surname MacHowan - Meaning and Origin
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MacHowan: What does the surname MacHowan mean?
The last name MacHowan is an anglicised form of the Gaelic name MacShuibhne, which means “son of the fair one”. The prefix Mac or Mc means “son of” and is a traditional patronymic found throughout Scotland, Ireland, and England. It is believed to derive from a Norse family name, as many of the Norsemen settled in those surrounding regions.
The Clan MacHowan is believed to be of Irish descent who were located in the Western Isles of Scotland. It is also thought that this that some members of the clan may have descended from a Pictish chieftain who held lands in the region. The lands were known as Lewismore and Morveg, and it is here that the MacHowan name is said to have originated.
The origins of the MacHowan name can be found in the history of Scotland, however, the meaning behind it is much more personal. It's a representation of one's heritage and culture, and it signifies a deep connection to a part of the world that is full of a rich and unique history.
Order DNA origin analysisMacHowan: Where does the name MacHowan come from?
The last name MacHowan is most commonly found today in Scotland, where it originated. The surname is associated with Clan MacNab in the Clan Chattan Confederation. The earliest mention of the clan is in a charter dated to the thirteenth century where a certain "Macdhubhain" is granted land rights.
The MacHowans were thought to be descended from Dubhagain, the Chief of the Clan Chattan in 1263, and the surname MacHowan most likely evolved from the similar sounding MacDubhain and MacDubhan. The most famous clan member is Angus MacHowan, a Gaelic poet who composed the famous MacVurich’s poem.
Today, the last name MacHowan can be seen mainly in Scotland's northwest highlands, but also survives in Canada, America, and other countries around the world. A great deal of Scottish migrants left the homeland in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, seeking refuge and a new life abroad. Because of this, MacHowan is now scattered throughout the world.
Variations of the surname MacHowan
The surname MacHowan is of Scottish origin and has several variants, spellings, and variants of the same origin. Variants of MacHowan include MacHouan, MacHouen, MacHouin, MacHuen, and MacHowen. These variants are generally interchangeable and indicate the same origin.
Variations of spelling for the surname MacHowan include Machouan, MacHowin, MacHown, MacHuwan, Machoun, and McHoan. These variations are sometimes seen in migration records when a priest or other official has attempted to spell the Gaelic name phonetically.
Surnames of the same origin as MacHowan include MacHume, MacHuman, MacAwan, MacCuan, MacChunaichan, and MacChunuis. All of these variants differ slightly in spelling as the names were passed through different branches of the family.
The common root of all of these surnames is the Gaelic 'Mac Dhubhain', which translates as 'son of black or dark haired one'. It is believed that all of the surnames, variants, and spellings related to MacHowan have their roots in this particular Gaelic name.
Famous people with the name MacHowan
- Terrence MacHowan: Canadian television actor
- John MacHowan: Australian theatre director, playwright and actor
- Jean MacHowan: Canadian politician
- Walter MacHowan: Scottish footballer
- Stanley MacHowan: Canadian politician
- Sarah MacHowan: Northern Irish actress
- William MacHowan: Canadian physician, educator and Senator
- Colin MacHowan: Canadian politician
- Charles MacHowan: Canadian lawyer, politician, and author
- Janet MacHowan: Canadian singer-songwriter