McGowan Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname McGowan come from? What does the surname McGowan mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name McGowan and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Surname McGowan Origin: What does the last name McGowan mean?
The surname McGowan is of Irish and Scottish origin, derived from the Gaelic language Mac Gabhann and Mac Gobhann, meaning 'son of (the) smith'. This surname is an Anglicization of the original Gaelic term gobha, which translates to "blacksmith". The MacGowan surname is linked to the Uí Echach Cobo in western County Down, Ulster, sharing ancestry with the McGuinness clan. The name MacGowan also has Scottish roots, with Mac an Ghobhain anglicized to MacGowan and Mac Gobha evolving to McGow. The smith played a vital role in each clan as the maker of arms and armor, leading to the prevalence of MacGowans across the Highlands.
YourRoots data reveals that the surname Smith has a long history dating back to the early 10th century in the United Kingdom. Over the centuries, the name expanded globally, with significant presence in countries like France. By the 16th and 17th centuries, the Smith surname had established itself in the United States and has since spread to various countries worldwide. Today, Smith is a widely recognized surname found in places such as India, Spain, Argentina, Germany, and Nigeria, showcasing its enduring legacy across diverse regions and cultures.
McGowan Last Name History: Where did the last name McGowan come from?
Origin of Mcgowan Surname: Where does the last name Mcgowan originate from?
According to YourRoots data, the surname Mcgowan first appeared in records from Scotland around the early 16th century. Please note that this reflects only YourRoots data for the exact Mcgowan spelling and does not include other record sources or surname variations.
History of the Last Name Mcgowan: What does the Mcgowan surname history look like in the early days?
The Mcgowan surname remained closely associated with Scotland from the 16th to the 18th century. YourRoots data also shows Mcgowan family records in countries like the United States, indicating global spread over the centuries.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Mcgowan surname today?
By the 20th century, the volume of records with the Mcgowan surname grew significantly in the United States. The Mcgowan surname remains prominent in the United States. It appears in many countries, including Scotland, Ireland, Canada, Australia, and England.
Explore McGowan last name heritage and McGowan surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With McGowan Surame?
Rose McGowan
Rósa Arianna "Rose" McGowan (born Sep 5, 1973) is an American actress and activist known for her roles in popular films such as Scream (1996) and Jawbreaker (1999). She gained recognition for her performance in The Doom Generation (1995) and as Paige Matthews in the TV series Charmed (2001–2006). McGowan has been a prominent voice in the MeToo movement, speaking out against sexual assault and harassment in Hollywood. She continues to advocate for social issues and released a memoir titled Brave in 2018.
Gavin McGowan
Gavin Gregory McGowan (born Jan 16, 1976) is a retired English professional footballer known for his time playing as a defender for Arsenal in the Premier League and Luton Town in the Football League Second Division. He won the FA Youth Cup with Arsenal in 1994 before moving to Luton Town in 1998. After his football career, McGowan pursued a teaching degree and now works as the head of PE at Ravensbourne school in Bromley. He is also a qualified UEFA B coach, showcasing his dedication to sports education.
Mary McGowan
Mary E. McGowan (April 25, 1885 – March 15, 1980) was an Ohio politician and the first woman from Ohio to be appointed a delegate to the Democratic National Convention. Born in either County Donegal, Ireland, or Akron, Ohio, she served as Summit County probate recorder for 20 years before becoming a member of the Ohio House of Representatives. McGowan was proud of her Irish heritage, active in her church, and involved in political campaigns, including those of Presidents Kennedy and Carter. She passed away in 1980, leaving behind a legacy of political involvement and community service.
Roy McGowan
Roy McGowan (born 21 Nov 1939) is an Irish sports shooter who competed in the mixed trap event at the 1984 Summer Olympics. He was the Irish national trap shooting champion for a time. McGowan's accomplishments in the world of sports shooting have solidified his place in Irish sporting history.
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