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Cowley Family Genealogy & History
Discover the Global Legacy of the Cowley Surname
The Cowley surname is deeply rooted in the English language, with its origins tracing back to several places named Cowley in England. Derived from Old English elements, the name Cowley signifies a connection to geographical features such as woodland clearings, coal regions, and even personal names. In some cases, the Cowley name is of Irish origin, as a translation from the surname Mac Amhlaoibh, meaning "son of Amhlaoibh," and similarly from the Manx language where a variant Kewley exists.
Over centuries, the Cowley surname evolved and spread geographically, establishing itself in various English regions during the medieval period. Notably, the Cowley family was part of the 'Ten Tribes of Kilkenny' in Ireland, a testament to their significant presence and influence. As the Cowley family tree branched out, it became associated with diverse localities, reflecting the family's adaptability across different cultural landscapes.
YourRoots dataset insights highlight the Cowley family's foundational roots in England during the early 13th century, marking the commencement of its genealogical history. This early documentation aligns with historical records, providing a crucial starting point for those tracing the Cowley genealogy. As the centuries progressed, the Cowley name expanded beyond the British Isles, illustrating a broader narrative of growth and adaptation.
For genealogy enthusiasts and family-tree researchers, the YourRoots data enriches the understanding of Cowley records, offering a comprehensive view of the surname's evolution through time. It underscores the enduring legacy of the Cowley surname across generations and continents, providing valuable insights for anyone exploring their Cowley family lineage.
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Records
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GCGeorge Cowley1839–1839Individual Tree PersonParents: Carles Cowley & Miriam NoneScore: AGCGeorge Cowley1839–1839Individual Tree PersonParents: Carles Cowley & Miriam NoneScore: A
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RCRobert Deppen Cowley1919–1926Individual Tree PersonParents: Harold Cowley & Dorotha BaileyScore: ARCRobert Deppen Cowley1919–1926Individual Tree PersonParents: Harold Cowley & Dorotha BaileyScore: A
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CCCharles Dorice Cowley1930–2003Individual Tree PersonParents: Charlie Cowley & Ivey HiggsScore: ACCCharles Dorice Cowley1930–2003Individual Tree PersonParents: Charlie Cowley & Ivey HiggsScore: A
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ECElizabeth T Cowley1878–1896Individual Tree PersonParents: William Cowley & Amelia KitsonScore: AECElizabeth T Cowley1878–1896Individual Tree PersonParents: William Cowley & Amelia KitsonScore: A
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WCWilliam Thomas Cowley1890–1978Individual Tree PersonParents: William Cowley & Mary BurnettSpouse: Adeline NourseChildren: Lilian, Kathleen, DorothyScore: AWCWilliam Thomas Cowley1890–1978Individual Tree PersonParents: William Cowley & Mary BurnettSpouse: Adeline NourseChildren: Lilian, Kathleen, DorothyScore: A
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ACAlfred John Cowley1869–1959Individual Tree PersonParents: Thomas Cowley & Rebecca BevisScore: AACAlfred John Cowley1869–1959Individual Tree PersonParents: Thomas Cowley & Rebecca BevisScore: A
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WCWilliam Papali'i Cowley1805–1889Individual Tree PersonParents: John Cowley & Ann GorreeSpouse: Tasiaeafe LaumatiamanuChildren: GeorgeScore: AWCWilliam Papali'i Cowley1805–1889Individual Tree PersonParents: John Cowley & Ann GorreeSpouse: Tasiaeafe LaumatiamanuChildren: GeorgeScore: A
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LCLeona Cowley1905–1905Individual Tree PersonParents: Thomas Cowley & Janette DespainScore: ALCLeona Cowley1905–1905Individual Tree PersonParents: Thomas Cowley & Janette DespainScore: A
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OCOpal Novell Cowley1922–1986Individual Tree PersonParents: Charlie Cowley & Ivey HiggsScore: AOCOpal Novell Cowley1922–1986Individual Tree PersonParents: Charlie Cowley & Ivey HiggsScore: A
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MCMargaret Ann Cowley1845–1919Individual Tree PersonParents: Thomas Cowley & Margaret TeareSpouse: Nicholas AgerScore: AMCMargaret Ann Cowley1845–1919Individual Tree PersonParents: Thomas Cowley & Margaret TeareSpouse: Nicholas AgerScore: A
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JCJeneral Green Cowley1862–1934Individual Tree PersonParents: Francis Cowley & Mary WrightSpouse: Synthia BoydChildren: Jewell, Ferna, Nola, Corene, Mary, Hasmer, Dovie, Margie, Hosanas, Infant, Cora, ArgineScore: AJCJeneral Green Cowley1862–1934Individual Tree PersonParents: Francis Cowley & Mary WrightSpouse: Synthia BoydChildren: Jewell, Ferna, Nola, Corene, Mary, Hasmer, Dovie, Margie, Hosanas, Infant, Cora, ArgineScore: A
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HCHarold S Cowley1927–2001Individual Tree PersonParents: Thomas Cowley & Ivy ShakespeareSpouse: Maureen DoyleScore: AHCHarold S Cowley1927–2001Individual Tree PersonParents: Thomas Cowley & Ivy ShakespeareSpouse: Maureen DoyleScore: A
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JCJanet Christian Cowley1885–1970Individual Tree PersonParents: William Cowley & Mary BurnettSpouse: Albert RobertsScore: AJCJanet Christian Cowley1885–1970Individual Tree PersonParents: William Cowley & Mary BurnettSpouse: Albert RobertsScore: A
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ICIrene Lucy Cowley1906–1997Individual Tree PersonParents: David Cowley & Sarah GallonScore: AICIrene Lucy Cowley1906–1997Individual Tree PersonParents: David Cowley & Sarah GallonScore: A
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JCJohn William Cowley1849–1932Individual Tree PersonParents: Septimus Cowley & Emma CowleySpouse: Mary Parkin, Alice CowleyChildren: Herbert, Fanny, ArthurScore: AJCJohn William Cowley1849–1932Individual Tree PersonParents: Septimus Cowley & Emma CowleySpouse: Mary Parkin, Alice CowleyChildren: Herbert, Fanny, ArthurScore: A
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WCWilliam B. Cowley1921–2005Individual Tree PersonParents: Harold Cowley & Dorotha BaileySpouse: Frances AndrewScore: AWCWilliam B. Cowley1921–2005Individual Tree PersonParents: Harold Cowley & Dorotha BaileySpouse: Frances AndrewScore: A
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JCJames Harbron A Cowley1916–2004Individual Tree PersonParents: Thomas Cowley & Anna ArchboldSpouse: Ida ThomasScore: AJCJames Harbron A Cowley1916–2004Individual Tree PersonParents: Thomas Cowley & Anna ArchboldSpouse: Ida ThomasScore: A
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BCBenjamin T Cowley1817–1860Individual Tree PersonParents: James Cowley & Hannah ThompsonSpouse: Margaret NicksChildren: GeorgeScore: ABCBenjamin T Cowley1817–1860Individual Tree PersonParents: James Cowley & Hannah ThompsonSpouse: Margaret NicksChildren: GeorgeScore: A
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GCGeorge Marriott Cowley1790–1870Individual Tree PersonParents: George Cowley\Couley & Sophia RolfeChildren: GeorgeScore: AGCGeorge Marriott Cowley1790–1870Individual Tree PersonParents: George Cowley\Couley & Sophia RolfeChildren: GeorgeScore: A
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ECEleanor Cowley1832–1919Individual Tree PersonSpouse: Thomas ClagueChildren: William, john, George, frederick, Agnes, Edith, Robert, Alfred, Frances, Richard, Emily, Thomas, Eleanor, Adora, Thomas, AdaScore: AECEleanor Cowley1832–1919Individual Tree PersonSpouse: Thomas ClagueChildren: William, john, George, frederick, Agnes, Edith, Robert, Alfred, Frances, Richard, Emily, Thomas, Eleanor, Adora, Thomas, AdaScore: A
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Tracing Your Cowley Family Lineage
Origin of the Cowley Family: Where does the Cowley surname come from?
The Cowley surname first appeared in records from England during the early 13th century, marking the beginning of its genealogical history. This early mention signifies the foundational roots of the Cowley family, connecting descendants to a lineage that has persisted through centuries. The initial records serve as a crucial starting point for those tracing their family trees back to their ancestors in the United Kingdom.
Genealogy and Early Family History of Cowley
In the centuries following its emergence, the Cowley family began to expand significantly across England. Notably, during the late medieval period and into the early modern era, Cowley family lines established themselves in various regions, contributing to a rich tapestry of genealogical connections. As families grew and branched out, the Cowley name became associated with numerous localities, reflecting the family's adaptability and resilience over time.
Tracing the Cowley Family Tree Through the Centuries
The Cowley surname saw remarkable growth as it spread across different regions and countries in subsequent centuries. By the early modern period, Cowley families had established a presence in various parts of England, and as time progressed, their descendants ventured beyond the British Isles, reaching other areas of Europe and eventually into North America and beyond. This expansion illustrates the broader narrative of the Cowley family's genealogy, revealing how the name evolved and adapted in diverse cultural contexts.
Where to Find Cowley Genealogy Records Today
In modern centuries, the Cowley surname continues to be found across the globe, with a notable presence in English-speaking countries. The late 20th and early 21st centuries have seen descendants of the Cowley family maintaining their connections while also embracing new genealogical discoveries. Readers are encouraged to explore the YourRoots database to uncover their own Cowley lineage and connect with the rich history of their family trees.
Famous People with Cowley (and Their Family Tree)
Danny Cowley
Danny Cowley, born on October 22, 1978, in Havering, London, is a renowned English professional football coach currently leading Colchester United. His journey began as a semi-professional midfielder, with stints at clubs like Dagenham & Redbridge and Concord Rangers, where he transitioned to management in 2008. His coaching career includes notable successes at Lincoln City, leading them to the National League title and an impressive FA Cup run. Cowley has also managed in the EFL Championship with Huddersfield Town and Portsmouth, earning several Manager of the Month awards along the way.
Patrick Cowley
Patrick Joseph Cowley (1950–1982) was a groundbreaking American disco and hi-NRG composer and recording artist, renowned for his pioneering work in electronic dance music alongside Giorgio Moroder. Best known for collaborations with singer Sylvester, Cowley significantly shaped the genre with hits like "Menergy" and "Megatron Man," both topping Billboard's dance charts in 1981. His innovative use of synthesizers on tracks such as "You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)" and "Do Ya Wanna Funk" left a lasting impact on artists including Pet Shop Boys and New Order, affirming his legacy as a pivotal figure in queer culture and disco.
Born in Buffalo, New York, Patrick Cowley was the son of Ellen and Kenneth Cowley, with family roots in the Horseheads and Corning areas. The Cowley family resided in Rochester, New York, providing a backdrop for his early musical endeavors before he moved to San Francisco to further his studies in music.
Robert Cowley
Robert Cowley is a distinguished American military historian, renowned for his work on American and European military history, spanning from the Civil War to World War II. As the founding editor of MHQ: The Quarterly Journal of Military History, Cowley has held prominent positions in book and magazine publishing. He is celebrated for editing the groundbreaking “What If?” series, a collection of counterfactual history essays. Cowley’s extensive travels along the Western Front have further enriched his works, including titles such as "1918: Gamble for Victory" and "The Reader's Companion to Military History." His contributions have made him a leading figure in military historiography.
Robert Cowley is the son of the acclaimed writer and literary critic Malcolm Cowley and Muriel Mauer. His family background is steeped in literary and artistic excellence, with connections to notable figures in the arts, such as his former spouse Blair Cowley and her subsequent marriage to artist Paul Resika. Cowley's family network extends to the film industry, with his daughter Miranda Cowley married to film producer and director Bruno Heller. This rich family heritage underscores a lineage of significant cultural influence.
Abraham Cowley
Abraham Cowley (1618 – 1667) was a prominent 17th-century English poet and essayist renowned for his significant contributions to literature. He gained fame with his early works, including "Poeticall Blossomes" and the pastoral comedy "Loves Riddle." A Royalist supporter during the Civil War, Cowley was ejected from Trinity College, Cambridge, but continued to serve the royal family in exile. He is noted for his attempt to adapt the Pindaric ode into English, although he misunderstood Pindar’s metrical style. His works, including the posthumously published "Davideis," enjoyed widespread popularity, with 14 editions released between 1668 and 1721.
Abraham Cowley was born in the City of London to a wealthy stationer father who passed away before his birth. His mother was devoted to religious practices, inadvertently influencing Cowley's early literary interests by providing access to "The Faerie Queene," which he read avidly as a child.
Samuel P. Cowley
Samuel P. Cowley was a prominent FBI agent known for his critical role in the 1934 manhunt for infamous criminals like John Dillinger and Baby Face Nelson. Appointed by J. Edgar Hoover, Cowley led the "Flying Squad" in Chicago, showcasing exceptional leadership and intelligence-gathering skills. Despite initial resistance from local agents, he collaborated effectively with Melvin Purvis, leading to Dillinger's downfall. Cowley's dedication and bravery were further highlighted during a fatal encounter with Baby Face Nelson, where he sustained deadly injuries but managed to identify Nelson before his death.
Samuel Cowley was born on July 23, 1899, in Franklin, Idaho, to Matthias F. Cowley, an apostle of the LDS Church, and Luella Parkinson Cowley. His half-brother, Matthew Cowley, also served as an LDS Church apostle, indicating a strong family connection to the church's leadership. Samuel Cowley's educational background includes Utah State Agricultural College and George Washington University Law School.
Cowley Surname Meaning, Origin, and History
The surname Cowley has multiple origins, primarily as a habitational name from various places in England named Cowley, with meanings related to "cow," "woodland clearing," or "coal." It can also derive from the Irish surname Mac Amhlaoibh, meaning "son of Amhlaoibh," and has connections to a notable Irish family among the 'Ten Tribes of Kilkenny.' Additionally, the surname appears in Manx language origins with a similar meaning.
VIEW MOREWhere to Find Genealogy Records for Cowley
We’ve analyzed YourRoots tree and records data to uncover where genealogists are finding key sources such as census, birth certificates, marriage records, and obituaries for the Cowley family. Explore our most popular genealogy record sources for the Cowley surname to learn more.
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