Boughe History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England
Scotland
Ireland

In ancient Scotland, the ancestors of the name Boughe lived in the Kingdom of Dalriada. In those days the name Boughe was used to indicate a person who person with fair hair. The surname Bowie is derived from the Gaelic word buidhe, which was used to describe a person with blonde hair. The surname Bowie is also derived from the Scottish Gaelic personal name Bowen, which refers to the son of Owen.

Early Origins of the Boughe family

The surname Boughe was first found in Kintyre, where they held a family seat from very early times.

Early History of the Boughe family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Boughe research. Another 144 words (10 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Boughe History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Boughe Spelling Variations

The translation of Gaelic names in the Middle Ages was not a task undertaken with great care. Records from that era show an enormous number of spelling variations, even in names referring to the same person. Over the years Boughe has appeared as Bowie, Bowey, Bowy, Bouwie, Bouwey, Bouwy, Bouwy, Bawie, Bawey and many more.

Early Notables of the Boughe family

More information is included under the topic Early Boughe Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Boughe family to Ireland

Some of the Boughe family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt. More information about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Boughe family

The descendants of the Dalriadan families who made the great crossing of the Atlantic still dot communities along the east coast of the United States and Canada. In the American War of Independence, many of the settlers traveled north to Canada as United Empire Loyalists. Clan societies and highland games have allowed Canadian and American families of Scottish descent to recover much of their lost heritage. Investigation of the origins of family names on the North American continent has revealed that early immigrants bearing the name Boughe or a variant listed above include: Ann Bowie who settled in Carolina in 1774; Ralph Bowie settled in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1799; Mrs. Bowie settled in New Orleans with three children in 1823.

The Boughe Motto +

The motto was originally a war cry or slogan. Mottoes first began to be shown with arms in the 14th and 15th centuries, but were not in general use until the 17th century. Thus the oldest coats of arms generally do not include a motto. Mottoes seldom form part of the grant of arms: Under most heraldic authorities, a motto is an optional component of the coat of arms, and can be added to or changed at will; many families have chosen not to display a motto.

Motto: Coelestia seqor
Motto Translation: I follow heavenly things.