Sign up to explore more
Create a free account to navigate family trees, view ancestors, and discover connections.
Sign up free
Sign up to explore more
Create a free account to navigate family trees, view ancestors, and discover connections.
Sign up freeCowley 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.
Find the Cowley Family Tree
Search more Cowley trees & genealogy records
Records
-
RCRobert Jennings CowleyBirth: 1854 – 1918 Fulton, Itawamba, Mississippi, USADeath: 1854 – 1918 Anson, Jones, Texas, USAFather: Francis Marion CowleyMother: Mary Elizabeth WrightReliability Score: N/ARCRobert Jennings CowleyBirth: 1854 – 1918 Fulton, Itawamba, Mississippi, USADeath: 1854 – 1918 Anson, Jones, Texas, USAFather: Francis Marion CowleyMother: Mary Elizabeth WrightReliability Score: N/A
-
CCCharles Dorice CowleyBirth: 1930 – 2003 Maud, TexasDeath: 1930 – 2003 Maud, Bowie, Texas, United States of AmericaFather: Charlie Culberson CowleyMother: Ivey HiggsReliability Score: CCCCharles Dorice CowleyBirth: 1930 – 2003 Maud, TexasDeath: 1930 – 2003 Maud, Bowie, Texas, United States of AmericaFather: Charlie Culberson CowleyMother: Ivey HiggsReliability Score: C
-
OCOpal Novell CowleyBirth: 1922 – 1986 Maud, TexasDeath: 1922 – 1986 New Boston, Bowie, Texas, United States of AmericaFather: Charlie Culberson CowleyMother: Ivey HiggsReliability Score: COCOpal Novell CowleyBirth: 1922 – 1986 Maud, TexasDeath: 1922 – 1986 New Boston, Bowie, Texas, United States of AmericaFather: Charlie Culberson CowleyMother: Ivey HiggsReliability Score: C
-
FCFrancis Marion CowleyBirth: 1829 – 1895 Chester, Chester, South Carolina, USADeath: 1829 – 1895 Mississippi, USAFather: William CowleyMother: Mary PollyReliability Score: CFCFrancis Marion CowleyBirth: 1829 – 1895 Chester, Chester, South Carolina, USADeath: 1829 – 1895 Mississippi, USAFather: William CowleyMother: Mary PollyReliability Score: C
-
RCRebekah CowleyBirth: 1669 – 1730 Ivinghoe, Buckinghamshire, EnglandDeath: 1669 – 1730 Little Woolstone, Buckinghamshire, EnglandFather: Francis CowleyMother: Rebecca ApsleyReliability Score: CRCRebekah CowleyBirth: 1669 – 1730 Ivinghoe, Buckinghamshire, EnglandDeath: 1669 – 1730 Little Woolstone, Buckinghamshire, EnglandFather: Francis CowleyMother: Rebecca ApsleyReliability Score: C
-
TCThomas Franklin CowleyBirth: 1858 – 1931 Fulton, Itawamba, Mississippi, USADeath: 1858 – 1931 Maud, Bowie, Texas, USAFather: Francis Marion CowleyMother: Mary Elizabeth WrightReliability Score: BTCThomas Franklin CowleyBirth: 1858 – 1931 Fulton, Itawamba, Mississippi, USADeath: 1858 – 1931 Maud, Bowie, Texas, USAFather: Francis Marion CowleyMother: Mary Elizabeth WrightReliability Score: B
-
MCMinnie Mae COWLEYBirth: 1893 – 1975 Smithville, Monroe, Mississippi, United StatesDeath: 1893 – 1975 Dallas, Dallas, Texas, United States of AmericaFather: Densor\Dolia F COWLEYMother: Firetta Dozie ALDREDGEReliability Score: BMCMinnie Mae COWLEYBirth: 1893 – 1975 Smithville, Monroe, Mississippi, United StatesDeath: 1893 – 1975 Dallas, Dallas, Texas, United States of AmericaFather: Densor\Dolia F COWLEYMother: Firetta Dozie ALDREDGEReliability Score: B
-
UCUrola CowleyBirth: 1897 – 1918 TexasDeath: 1897 – 1918 Maud, Bowie, Texas, USAFather: Thomas Franklin CowleyMother: Sallie JusticeReliability Score: CUCUrola CowleyBirth: 1897 – 1918 TexasDeath: 1897 – 1918 Maud, Bowie, Texas, USAFather: Thomas Franklin CowleyMother: Sallie JusticeReliability Score: C
-
RCR. J. CowleyBirth: 1920 – 1984 Bowie County, TexasDeath: 1920 – 1984 Dallas, Dallas County, TexasFather: Charlie Culberson CowleyMother: Ivey HiggsReliability Score: CRCR. J. CowleyBirth: 1920 – 1984 Bowie County, TexasDeath: 1920 – 1984 Dallas, Dallas County, TexasFather: Charlie Culberson CowleyMother: Ivey HiggsReliability Score: C
-
JCJames Franklin CowleyBirth: 1933 – 2011 New Boston, Bowie County, Texas, USADeath: 1933 – 2011 Simms, Bowie County, Texas, USAFather: Charlie Culberson CowleyMother: Ivey HiggsReliability Score: BJCJames Franklin CowleyBirth: 1933 – 2011 New Boston, Bowie County, Texas, USADeath: 1933 – 2011 Simms, Bowie County, Texas, USAFather: Charlie Culberson CowleyMother: Ivey HiggsReliability Score: B
-
JCJeneral Green CowleyBirth: 1862 – 1934 Itawamba, Mississippi, USADeath: 1862 – 1934 Camp, Texas, United StatesFather: Francis Marion CowleyMother: Mary Elizabeth WrightReliability Score: N/AJCJeneral Green CowleyBirth: 1862 – 1934 Itawamba, Mississippi, USADeath: 1862 – 1934 Camp, Texas, United StatesFather: Francis Marion CowleyMother: Mary Elizabeth WrightReliability Score: N/A
-
ECEllen Lorene CowleyBirth: 1927 – 1997 Maud, TexasDeath: 1927 – 1997 Maud, Bowie, Texas, United States of AmericaFather: Charlie Culberson CowleyMother: Ivey HiggsReliability Score: CECEllen Lorene CowleyBirth: 1927 – 1997 Maud, TexasDeath: 1927 – 1997 Maud, Bowie, Texas, United States of AmericaFather: Charlie Culberson CowleyMother: Ivey HiggsReliability Score: C
-
TCToby Wayne CowleyBirth: 1940 – 1962 Maud, TexasDeath: 1940 – 1962 Dallas, TexasFather: Charlie Culberson CowleyMother: Ivey HiggsReliability Score: CTCToby Wayne CowleyBirth: 1940 – 1962 Maud, TexasDeath: 1940 – 1962 Dallas, TexasFather: Charlie Culberson CowleyMother: Ivey HiggsReliability Score: C
-
CCCharlie Culberson CowleyBirth: 1898 – 1968 TexasDeath: 1898 – 1968 New Boston, Bowie, Texas, United States of AmericaFather: Thomas Franklin CowleyMother: Sallie JusticeReliability Score: BCCCharlie Culberson CowleyBirth: 1898 – 1968 TexasDeath: 1898 – 1968 New Boston, Bowie, Texas, United States of AmericaFather: Thomas Franklin CowleyMother: Sallie JusticeReliability Score: B
-
HCHenry CowleyBirth: 1616 – 1701 Ivinghoe, Buckinghamshire, EnglandDeath: 1616 – 1701 Ivinghoe, Buckinghamshire, EnglandFather: Francis CooleyMother: Francissa SeareReliability Score: CHCHenry CowleyBirth: 1616 – 1701 Ivinghoe, Buckinghamshire, EnglandDeath: 1616 – 1701 Ivinghoe, Buckinghamshire, EnglandFather: Francis CooleyMother: Francissa SeareReliability Score: C
-
WCWilliam Jennings CowleyBirth: 1864 – 1928 Itawamba, Mississippi, USADeath: 1864 – 1928 Paris, Lamar, Texas, USAFather: Francis Marion CowleyMother: Mary Elizabeth WrightReliability Score: BWCWilliam Jennings CowleyBirth: 1864 – 1928 Itawamba, Mississippi, USADeath: 1864 – 1928 Paris, Lamar, Texas, USAFather: Francis Marion CowleyMother: Mary Elizabeth WrightReliability Score: B
-
SCSally Joan CowleyBirth: 1959 – 2000 Morris, TexasDeath: 1959 – 2000 Simms, Bowie, Texas, USAFather: James Franklin CowleyMother: Loveta Chestine "Patsy" CrawfordReliability Score: BSCSally Joan CowleyBirth: 1959 – 2000 Morris, TexasDeath: 1959 – 2000 Simms, Bowie, Texas, USAFather: James Franklin CowleyMother: Loveta Chestine "Patsy" CrawfordReliability Score: B
-
JCJames Wright CowleyBirth: 1862 – 1926 Itawamba, Mississippi, United StatesDeath: 1862 – 1926 Marlow, Stephens, Oklahoma, USAFather: Francis Marion CowleyMother: Mary Elizabeth WrightReliability Score: N/AJCJames Wright CowleyBirth: 1862 – 1926 Itawamba, Mississippi, United StatesDeath: 1862 – 1926 Marlow, Stephens, Oklahoma, USAFather: Francis Marion CowleyMother: Mary Elizabeth WrightReliability Score: N/A
-
DCDenson Fenna CowleyBirth: 1866 – 1919 Itawamba, Mississippi, USADeath: 1866 – 1919 Newsome, Camp, Texas, USAFather: Francis Marion CowleyMother: Mary Elizabeth WrightReliability Score: BDCDenson Fenna CowleyBirth: 1866 – 1919 Itawamba, Mississippi, USADeath: 1866 – 1919 Newsome, Camp, Texas, USAFather: Francis Marion CowleyMother: Mary Elizabeth WrightReliability Score: B
-
OCOvie Olene CowleyBirth: 1925 – 2015 TexasDeath: 1925 – 2015 Texarkana TXFather: Charlie Culberson CowleyMother: Ivey HiggsReliability Score: COCOvie Olene CowleyBirth: 1925 – 2015 TexasDeath: 1925 – 2015 Texarkana TXFather: Charlie Culberson CowleyMother: Ivey HiggsReliability Score: C
Search more trees & records for
Cowley for free
SIGNUP
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.
VIEW MOREAbout YourRoots
Explore your family tree geographically
Import your GEDCOM file to transform your family tree into an interactive global map. See your roots laid out visually and understand your true geographic heritage.
Powerful tools like “Trace Back To Me” instantly map your family’s migration paths from a chosen ancestor all the way back to you.
Discover ancestors beyond “end-of-line” automatically
Import your family tree and let AI expand it for you. AI Ancestor Finder scans “end-of-line” ancestors to uncover their parents across hundreds of family lines at once. AI Deep Research analyzes selected ancestors and family clusters, suggesting relevant records and next steps.
Turn on Auto Research Mode to get new discoveries daily or weekly, so your tree keeps growing even while you’re away.
Find more DNA matches across all DNA tests
Combine your DNA data with your family tree to unlock the full power of YourRoots DNA Match. Connect with relatives across major testing services — Ancestry, 23andMe, MyHeritage, and more.
View your matches’ maps and trees to identify shared ancestors, and soon you’ll be able to add them directly to your own tree and map.
Ancestry DNA analysis that goes deeper than others
Unlock exclusive reports that reveal your deeper origins.
- Deep Ancestry Report — Analyze 130+ ethnicities, sub-regions, and 1,800+ communities in one detailed view.
- Global & Native American Reports — Developed with Stanford researchers to uncover hidden ancestries across all 22 chromosomes.
- Ancient DNA Series — Compare your DNA with 1,000+ ancient genomes from Viking, Celtic, and early American civilizations.
Sign up to explore more
Create a free account to navigate family trees, view ancestors, and discover connections.
Sign up freeAlready have an account? Log in