Surname O'Gwen - Meaning and Origin
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O'Gwen: What does the surname O'Gwen mean?
The last name O'Gwen is derived from Irish origins and is found mostly in Ireland. The surname was most likely a reference to either the ancient Irish Gaelic name O'Geadhachain or Mac Geadachain, both of which have been anglicized to O'Gwen.
The surname O'Gwen first appeared in the province of Connacht, located in the western part of Ireland. This is where many Irish clans originally emerged, and this geography helps explain why its use is most prevalent in Ireland.
The name O'Gwen has generally been associated with the O'Rourke clan, which was located in Connacht. This means that the surname was likely used as a sign of loyalty and allegiance to this particular clan.
The O'Gwen surname also has links to a castle that was located in the Clanrickard region of Galway, known as O'Gwann's Castle. This suggests that the name may have been taken from the locality of the castle, as it was a popular way of distinguishing local families from the more widely-known clans.
In recent years, the surname O'Gwen has spread to many countries, including the United States. It remains a relatively uncommon name, so those that possess it are likely to be related to Irish ancestors who originated from the Connacht province in Ireland.
Order DNA origin analysisO'Gwen: Where does the name O'Gwen come from?
The last name O'Gwen is most common today in the United States, with the highest concentrations in California and New York. O'Gwen likely has Irish roots and is thought to be derived from the old Irish name O'Gobhain. There are a number of variants of the name, including Ogwin, Oghen, and Ogden.
In the United States, O'Gwens have been present since at least the late 19th century. Irish immigrants fleeing the famines of the 1850s and 60s brought the name to the US, and it has become increasingly common in the intervening years.
Today, O'Gwen is still present in Irish and English-speaking countries, but its presence is strongest by far in the US. There are some individuals bearing the name in Canada, the UK, and Ireland, but they represent a tiny fraction of the total number of O'Gwen families worldwide.
Genealogical databases such as Ancestry.com feature a number of records related to O'Gwens, and many individuals researching their family history have made the connection between themselves and other O'Gwen families.
The last name O'Gwen is still popular today, and the name has seen continued growth in recent decades. With its Irish roots, O'Gwen is an easily-recognized name that has been preserved and continues to be shared among generations.
Variations of the surname O'Gwen
The O’Gwen surname has several variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin.
The original Gaelic form of the O’Gwen surname is Ó Géibheannaigh, which means “descendant of Géibheannach”. The O’Gwen surname is largely associated with Connacht in Ireland, but it is also found elsewhere in the country.
Some of the different variants of the O’Gwen surname include Gwen, Gevan, Gevans, Gevins, Gevon and Gevons. Other variants include Givan, Givens, Givin, Gowen, Gwevans, Gwinn, Guven, Guvens, Gwin, Gwyn, Gwynn, Gwynne and Gwynns.
Surnames of a similar origin include Gwinnett, McDavitt, McGee, Maginnis, McGhee, McGuinness, McKevan, McQuen, McVirgin, Magen, McEwin, McKaven, Magill, Maghie, Maguire, McGuire, Manchan, MaGowan, McGowan and McGivern.
The O’Gwen surname is relatively rare and there may be fewer than 250 people worldwide who carry the surname today. It is most commonly found in Ireland, with the Gallagher and McGinnis clans being closely associated with it. People with the O’Gwen surname can also be found in the United States and other countries where Irish immigrants settled.
Famous people with the name O'Gwen
- Robert O'Gwen: Actor known for his appearances in notable films, such as The Amazing Spider-Man, Edge of Tomorrow, and Run All Night.
- Shem O'Gwen: Award-winning animator and independent filmmaker, known for his work on Salty & Pepper and the short film, Run.
- Maureen O'Gwen: Former professional basketball player, who played for the Chicago Sky and Los Angeles Sparks.
- Jay O'Gwen: Founder of Los Angeles-based streetwear label byJ.O, seen on the likes of Cardi B and other celebrities.
- Liam O'Gwen: Professional skateboarder, recognized for his appearances in Element skateboarding videos.
- Peadar O'Gwen: Irish poet from County Donegal, known for his lyrical and traditional Irish lyrics.
- Barry O'Gwen: Illustrator known for his classic children's book illustrations, namely those of The Velveteen Rabbit, Charlotte's Web, and The Cat in the Hat.
- Auguste O'Gwen: Former mayor of Los Angeles in the late 1800s, succeeding Pio Pico in 1884 and serving until 1887.
- Marion O'Gwen: Professor of literature and theater historian at Northeastern University, specializing in Shakespeare, the English Renaissance period, and woman's drama.
- Brigid O'Gwen: Professional musician and singer-songwriter, known for performing Irish ballads, folk music, and other Celtic compositions.