Surname Gowen - Meaning and Origin
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Gowen: What does the surname Gowen mean?
The surname Gowen is of Celtic origin, primarily found in Ireland and Scotland. It originated from the Gaelic term "gobha" which means "a smith" or "a blacksmith". Thus, Gowen can be interpreted as a descendant of a blacksmith, signifying the artisan or professional lineage. The variations of the surname can include Gow, Gowan, Gowin, Gowing, and others. Over time and as a result of migrations, the surname has spread to other English-speaking nations. The Gowens were also considered part of the ancient Dalriadan clans of Scotland's west coast and Hebrides islands. Their ancestral seat was in the Isle of Uist. However, please note that the meanings of surnames can differ based on the cultural and geographical contexts in which they have evolved, so alternate interpretations might exist.
Order DNA origin analysisGowen: Where does the name Gowen come from?
The surname Gowen is of Irish origin, derived from the Gaelic "Mac Gabhann" which translates to "son of the blacksmith". The surname is common in areas of Ireland and Scotland, with different spellings across regions, such as "McGowan" or "MacGowan". After the Irish and Scottish emigration periods, the surname spread to countries like the United States, Canada, and Australia. Therefore today, it can be found across the globe, but particularly in these countries. Recognizing the distribution of a surname can change over time, internet databases suggest that Gowen is currently most common in the United States. However, please note that the variations of spellings and Anglicisation of the name from original Gaelic have diversified its presence across different regions.
Variations of the surname Gowen
The surname Gowen originates from the Gaelic name MacGabhain, which is often anglicized as McGowan. The surname has several variations and spellings, in part because of the different ways it has been translated over the centuries. Common spelling variants include Gowan, Gowen, Goan, Gohen, Gawn and Gohen.
Some versions of the name have been altered by adding or removing the prefix "Mc" or "Mac," leading to variations such as McGowan, MacGowan, and even MacGowin. These prefixes mean "son of," reflecting the name's origin as a patronymic surname. The corresponding Irish versions of the name are Ó Gabhain and Mac Gabhain.
The surname can also be seen spelled as Gowans, Gowens, Gowin, or Gowins, and less commonly as Gouan or Guin. While these names are used primarily in English-speaking countries (especially Ireland, Scotland, and the US), it's not uncommon to find them in other parts of the world.
Despite the many versions of the name, all share the same root and are closely related. It's also worth noting that the different spellings don't necessarily indicate different branches of the family; often, they simply reflect different translations or transcriptions of the original Gaelic name.
Famous people with the name Gowen
- Michael Gowan: an accomplished pianist and composer, best known as the keyboardist and songwriter for the band Styx.
- Alexa Gowan: a noted American actress.
- Allen Gowen: a renowned keyboard player, composer and a member of the British progressive rock band, National Health.
- Samuel Gowen: a popular Australian actor, known for his performance in “The Time Game”.
- Billy Gowen: a famous American screenwriter, film producer, and director, whose works include "The Sunshine Boys" and "The Goodbye Girl".
- Basil S. Gowen: a well-known English philatelist who signed the Roll of Distinguished Philatelists in 1948.
- Marilyn Gowen: an accomplished television and film actress, known for her performances in "Wisdom" and "Raising Arizona". Please note as "fame" is subjective, the above names may not be universally recognized.