What clan does MacGowan belong to?
Clan MacGowan (also MacGowin, MacCowan, McGowan) was a Scoto-Irish clan which once occupied the area around the River Nith in Dumfries and Galloway, documented in the 1300s.
Where in Ireland is McGowan from?
McGowan /məˈɡaʊən/ is an Irish surname. It is an Anglicization of the Irish Mac Gabhann and Scottish surname Mac Gobhann. Belonging to the Uí Echach Cobo, located in modern-day County Down in the east of Ulster, they produced several over-kings of Ulaid.
What is a McGowan?
McGowan is the phonetic anglicization of the Irish Mac Gabhainn and the Scottish Mac Gobhainn, both meaning “son of the smith.” The smith in olden times was an important personage, as being the maker of armor and weapons. During English rule many McGowans in Scotland and Ireland changed their name to the English Smith.
Is McGowan a Viking name?
What does McGowan mean in Gaelic?
The McGowan surname derives from the Irish Gaelic name Mac an Ghabhain, which means “son of the blacksmith.” As such, the name was probably originally occupational. It has often appeared in its Anglicized form Smith.
How common is the last name McGowan?
The surname McGowan is the 8,815th most commonly held family name on a worldwide basis, held by approximately 1 in 113,428 people.
How do I know which Scottish clan I belong to?
To learn more about clan organizations in the United States, check out the Council of Scottish Clans and Associations. And to learn more about your Scottish ancestors, look for The Family Tree Scottish Genealogy Guide. Inside, you’ll find great information on Scottish clans, history, geography, names and more.
What county in Ireland is McGowan from?
How common is the name McGowan?
In the United States, the name McGowan is the 905th most popular surname with an estimated 32,331 people with that name. However, in Australia, the name McGowan is ranked the 858th most popular surname with an estimated 4,617 people with that name.