Surname Gowan - Meaning and Origin
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Gowan: What does the surname Gowan mean?
The last name Gowan is of Scottish origin. It is derived from the Gaelic word "gobha" which means a smith or a blacksmith. There are other variations of this surname such as Gowanlock or Gowans. This surname is particularly popular in Scotland and Northern Ireland but can also be found amongst English-speaking populations around the world. The name pays homage to the importance of blacksmithing in the history of human civilization, reflecting the historical contribution of smiths to building tools, weapons, and structures. Thus, it signifies not just a professional identification, but also a signature of important ancestral skills and craftsmanship.
Order DNA origin analysisGowan: Where does the name Gowan come from?
The surname Gowan has both Irish and Scottish origins. In Ireland, it originated from a Gaelic word "gabhainn" meaning "of the river." It was used as a topographical nickname for someone living near a river. In Scotland, the name comes from the Gaelic personal name "Govan," which resulted from the devotion to St. Govan, a 6th-century hermit who lived in a fissure on the cliffs in Pembrokeshire, Wales.
Today, the Gowan surname is more prevalent in the United States, while still bearing significance in Ireland and Scotland. It can also be found in Canada, Australia, and England. The name's popularity grew due to migration and diaspora, leading to minor alterations in its spelling and pronunciation across various regions globally. As with most surnames, the distribution of the Gowan name is linked to patterns of historical migration, family movement, and societal advancement.
Variations of the surname Gowan
The surname Gowan originates from Scotland and Ireland. A variant of the surname from Scotland is Gowans. It is believed to have originated from a nickname for a metalworker, derived from the Middle English word "gouen", meaning "to go" or from a pet form of the personal name Gow, which means 'smith'.
From Ireland, the surname Gowan is an Anglicized form of the Gaelic name "O Gabhann", meaning "descendant of Gabhann". Gabhann is a personal name derived from 'gabha', meaning 'a smith'. The surname variants in different regions and dialects of Gaelic include Gavan, Gavin, Gavahan, Gavaghan, and Gaffney.
This surname is also found as MacGowan, often Anglicised to Smith, which can sometimes cause confusion.
Alternate spellings of the surname include Gowen, Gowing, Goan, and Gowin.
The surname, through migration and marriage, has spread to numerous other countries, including England, Canada, the United States, Australia and New Zealand, sometimes appearing with alternate spellings in these countries. Regardless of the variant or spelling, however, the surname retains its Gaelic and Scots origins and meaning.
Famous people with the name Gowan
- Lawrence Gowan: Canadian singer-songwriter and pianist known for his solo careers as well as his former role as the lead vocalist for Styx
- Derek Gowan: professor of digital forensics at the University of Portsmouth in the UK
- Bryan Gowan: American former Major League Baseball outfielder, playing for the Detroit Tigers from 1981-83
- Alistair Gowan: Scottish former professional footballer, having played for several teams including Middlesbrough
- Edmund Gowan: Irish-born South African artist
- Tony Gowan: Australian former rugby league footballer, playing with the St. George Dragons in the NSWRL
- Jessie Gowan: 19th century Native American photographer
- Peter Gowan: British author and professor of international politics
- Stewart Gowan: Canadian World War II-era fighter pilot and recipient of the Distinguished Service Order
- Bruce Gowan: New Zealand rugby league player, playing sevens for Te Puke AEK