Cowley Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Cowley come from? What does the surname Cowley mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Cowley and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Surname Cowley Origin: What does the last name Cowley mean?
The surname Cowley has various origins, with some instances stemming from habitational names in England. Places like Gloucestershire, Derbyshire, and London have contributed to the name's etymology, with elements meaning "cow", "coal", "woodland clearing", "shelter", and "bay". Additionally, the surname can be linked to the Irish-language surname Mac Amhlaoibh, meaning "son of Amhlaoibh". The Cowley name has been associated with noted Irish families, particularly as part of the 'Ten Tribes of Kilkenny', where the Cowleys were of English origin.
YourRoots data indicates that the Cowley surname has a long history, first appearing in records from England in the early 13th century. Over time, the name spread to countries like Scotland, Ireland, Australia, and the United States, showcasing its global presence. By the 20th century, the volume of Cowley records notably increased in England, and the surname remains prominent in various countries worldwide, including the United States, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and South Africa, as well as in Wales, Ireland, Scotland, and Barbados.
Cowley Last Name History: Where did the last name Cowley come from?
Origin of Cowley Surname: Where does the last name Cowley originate from?
According to YourRoots data, the surname Cowley first appeared in records from England around the early 13th century. Please note that this reflects only YourRoots data for the exact Cowley spelling and does not include other record sources or surname variations.
History of the Last Name Cowley: What does the Cowley surname history look like in the early days?
The Cowley surname remained closely associated with England from the 14th to the 18th century. YourRoots data also shows Cowley family records in countries like Scotland, Ireland, Australia, and the United States, indicating global spread over the centuries.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Cowley surname today?
By the 20th century, the volume of records with the Cowley surname grew significantly in England. The Cowley surname remains prominent in countries such as the United States, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and South Africa. It appears in many countries, including Wales, Ireland, Scotland, and Barbados.
Explore Cowley last name heritage and Cowley surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With Cowley Surame?
Danny Cowley
Danny Cowley (born 22 Oct 1978) is an English professional football coach known for his successful managerial career with clubs like Lincoln City and Huddersfield Town. Cowley started as a player before transitioning to coaching and quickly rose through the ranks. He guided Lincoln City to the National League title and an impressive FA Cup run, making history along the way. Cowley later managed in the EFL Championship with Huddersfield Town and Portsmouth. With a passion for the game and a track record of success, Cowley continues to make his mark in the world of football.
Patrick Cowley
Patrick Joseph Cowley (Oct 19, 1950 – Nov 12, 1982) was an American disco and hi-NRG dance music composer and recording artist. He is best known for his collaborations with disco singer Sylvester and is credited as a pioneer of electronic dance music. Cowley's hits like "Menergy" and "Megatron Man" topped the Billboard charts in the early 1980s. Despite his untimely death at 32 due to AIDS, his influence on the disco and electronic music scene continues to resonate today.
Robert Cowley
Robert Cowley (April 21, 1939 – ) is an American military historian known for his extensive writing on American and European military history, spanning from the Civil War to World War II. He has held senior positions in book and magazine publishing and is the founding editor of the award-winning *MHQ: The Quarterly Journal of Military History*. Cowley has also edited three collections of essays in counterfactual history called *What If?* His research has taken him along the entire length of the Western Front, from the North Sea to the Swiss border. Cowley's works cover a wide range of military history topics and have been well-received by both scholars and history enthusiasts.
Abraham Cowley
Abraham Cowley (1618 – 28 Jul 1667) was an English poet and essayist known for his works in the 17th century. He showed exceptional talent at a young age, writing epic romances and pastoral comedies while still a teenager. Cowley studied at Trinity College, Cambridge, where he excelled as a scholar. He later became a fellow of the college but was ejected due to his royalist support during the Civil War. Cowley spent twelve years in exile, serving the royal family and engaging in literary pursuits. Despite some challenges in reproducing Pindar's poetry in English, Cowley's work remains influential in English literature.
Samuel P. Cowley
Samuel Parkinson Cowley (July 23, 1899 – November 28, 1934) was an FBI agent known for his role in the pursuit of notorious criminals like John Dillinger and Baby Face Nelson. Cowley's dedication and teamwork with Melvin Purvis were instrumental in bringing down the Dillinger gang. Despite his tragic death in a gunfight with Baby Face Nelson, Cowley's contributions to law enforcement are widely recognized in historical accounts and popular culture adaptations.
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