Surname McHowen - Meaning and Origin
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McHowen: What does the surname McHowen mean?
The last name McHowen is believed to be of Irish origin. It is thought to have derived from the Old Gaelic names Mac Aodhagáin or Mac Aodha, both of which mean "son of Aodhagán" or "son of Aodh". Aodhagán was likely an ancient first name referring to a person of a sympathetic, understanding nature.
The exact origin of the surname is unknown, although it is most likely derived from the Irish culture. In times past, family names were often derived from the name of a parent or ancestor and passed down the family lines to be used for generations. It is possible that the name McHowen is a variation of some lesser known Irish name that has been altered over the ages.
McHowen is a common surname found in Ireland, England, Scotland, Canada, Australia, and other countries with strong Irish heritage. It is especially common in parts of rural Ireland where families have been using the same surname for centuries.
The McHowen surname tends to refer to people of strong character, though the many subtle variations mean that it can refer to a variety of personalities. Generally, it is a solid, dependable name that has carried many generations of strong, reliable people.
Order DNA origin analysisMcHowen: Where does the name McHowen come from?
The last name McHowen is most commonly found in Scotland, especially in the Highland regions. It is also present in parts of Ireland and small pockets of England. A small number of people with the last name McHowen can also be found in the United States and Canada, usually descendants of emigrants or immigrants from Scotland or Ireland.
In Scotland, the McHowen name originates from the ancient Clan of the same name, located in Argyll and Bute. The earliest record of the McHowen's was from 1560, when a James McHowen lived at Posso. It is thought that the Clan was founded by an area known as De MacDuff and was originally a vassal of the powerful Clan Campbell.
It is believed that the McHowen's are descendants of the ancient Scots tribe of the Dál Riata. In recognition of the group's ancestry, the McHowen's were awarded several lands in Argyll. Throughout the centuries, the McHowen's role in Scotland was to provide military assistance in the case of raids or invasions.
Today, there are roughly 12,000 McHowen's living in Scotland. Their numbers dwindle in other areas of the world as they have moved to new countries and adopted different last names. Nevertheless, the Clan of McHowen has a proud history in Scotland and throughout the world.
Variations of the surname McHowen
The surname McHowen is a variant, spelling, and surname all rolled into one. It is a form of the Irish surname Mac Eoghain, which is of a patronymic origin, meaning "son of Eoghan." Since the Gaelic language has complex spelling and pronunciation rules, variants of Mac Eoghain have become commonplace. Notable variants include MacHugh, Mac Howe, MacHue, McHugh, and McHue.
Other spelling variations of McHowen include MacHuen, MacHuon, MacHwon, MacHwein, MacHwane, MacHwen, MacHwenn, McHuein, McHwon, McHwein, MacCuon, MacCuin, MacCuane, and MacCuenn. Variations of the surname can also be found in various other anglicized forms, such as MacKeon, McKeon, and McCuon.
Surnames of the same origin as McHowen include MacKeown, MacKeoune, MacKeone, McKeowne, McCuown, McCuowne, McCown, and McCowne.
In addition to the name McHowen and its variants, individuals bearing the same surname may also have adopted the surnames MeyHowen, MaKaHuen, MaKGNazis, MaxKowen, MilanCuon, McDowen and MattHuen. As with the Irish variant of the surname, these surnames are all of a patronymic origin.
Famous people with the name McHowen
- Damon McHowen: former professional American football linebacker
- C. J. McHowen: executive producer, writer, and actor known for his work on television shows such as The Shield and Sons of Anarchy
- LaDainian Tomlinson McHowen: Hall of Fame running back for the San Diego Chargers
- Kyle McHowen: professional lacrosse player
- Blaine McHowen: Canadian football Running Back
- Jonathan McHowen: Canadian professional soccer player
- Robert McHowen: Film and television actor
- Blake McHowen: professional basketball player
- Kevin McHowen: Former professional basketball player
- Mark McHowen: Former Major League Baseball third baseman with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
- Todd McHowen: American football coach
- Barry McHowen: Australian football player