Cowan Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Cowan come from? What does the surname Cowan mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Cowan and family migration on YourRoots Map.
McOwen, Coan, Coen, Cowans, Cowen, Cowin
Surname Cowan Origin: What does the last name Cowan mean?
The surname Cowan has origins in both Scotland and Ireland, deriving from the Gaelic MacEoghain or MacEoin, meaning "son of Eoghan." In Scotland, variations like Cowen and Kewon are common, while in Ireland, names like Coen, Coan, and McKeown are prevalent. YourRoots data traces the earliest records of the Cowan surname to the United Kingdom, particularly Scotland, in the early 15th century. Over time, the surname spread to the United States, where it gained popularity, surpassing its presence in the UK by the 18th century.
YourRoots data confirms the global spread of the Cowan surname, with significant populations in the United States and the United Kingdom. The surname's presence is also noted in various countries worldwide, indicating its widespread distribution. This historical surname reflects a rich heritage rooted in the Scottish and Irish borderlands, with variations and adaptations across different regions and cultures over the centuries.
Cowan Last Name History: Where did the last name Cowan come from?
Origin of Cowan Surname: Where does the last name Cowan originate from?
The earliest records of the Cowan surname, as per YourRoots data, trace back to the United Kingdom, specifically England, around the early 15th century. Please note that this information is based on the specific "Cowan" spelling in YourRoots data and does not include other potential sources or variations of the surname.
History of the Last Name Cowan: What does the Cowan surname history look like in the early days?
YourRoots data indicates that the Cowan surname remained largely associated with the United Kingdom, especially in Scotland, from the 15th to the 16th century. However, by the 17th century, there was a noticeable increase in the frequency of Cowan family records in the United States, suggesting a shift in the distribution of the surname.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Cowan surname today?
By the 18th century, the frequency of records bearing the Cowan surname had increased notably in the United States, surpassing the United Kingdom. This trend continued into the 19th and 20th centuries. Today, the Cowan surname is prominently found in the United States, with a significant presence also in the United Kingdom. The global spread of the Cowan surname is evident in YourRoots database, indicating its presence in various countries around the world.
Explore Cowan last name heritage and Cowan surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With Cowan Surame?
Gary Cowan
Gary Cowan (October 28, 1938) is a Canadian golfer known for his amateur achievements. He won the Canadian Amateur Championship in 1961 and the U.S. Amateur Championship twice. Cowan is also a member of Canada's Sports Hall of Fame and the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame.
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