McGowan History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms 

Origins Available: 
  Ireland 
  Scotland 
  England 


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.

Early Origins of the McGowan family

The surname McGowan was first found in County Cavan, where they were recorded as a family of great antiquity. The Irish name MacGowan (not to be confused with the Scottish, which roots from MacGoun) is most often hidden under the ubiquitous name Smith. In Irish, the name is Mac an Ghabhain, which means 'son of the blacksmith'; thus its translation to Smith. In England, Horsington Manor in Somerset was owned by the Gowens family from sometime in the 1500s through 1653 when it was sold.

Early History of the McGowan family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our McGowan research. Another 85 words (6 lines of text) covering the year 1659 is included under the topic Early McGowan History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

McGowan Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: Smith, MacGowan, McGowan, MacGowin, McGowin, MacGowen, McGowen, Gow, Gowan, Gowen, Gowin, MacGavin and many more.

Early Notables of the McGowan family

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

McGowan World Ranking

In the United States, the name McGowan is the 905th most popular surname with an estimated 32,331 people with that name. 1 However, in Australia, the name McGowan is ranked the 858th most popular surname with an estimated 4,617 people with that name. 2 And in New Zealand, the name McGowan is the 757th popular surname with an estimated 962 people with that name. 3 The United Kingdom ranks McGowan as 700th with 9,571 people. 4


McGowan migration to the United States +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

McGowan Settlers in United States in the 18th Century
McGowan Settlers in United States in the 19th Century

McGowan migration to Canada +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

McGowan Settlers in Canada in the 19th Century

McGowan migration to Australia +

Emigration to Australia followed the First Fleets of convicts, tradespeople and early settlers. Early immigrants include:

McGowan Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century

McGowan migration to New Zealand +

Emigration to New Zealand followed in the footsteps of the European explorers, such as Captain Cook (1769-70): first came sealers, whalers, missionaries, and traders. By 1838, the British New Zealand Company had begun buying land from the Maori tribes, and selling it to settlers, and, after the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840, many British families set out on the arduous six month journey from Britain to Aotearoa to start a new life. Early immigrants include:

McGowan Settlers in New Zealand in the 19th Century

Contemporary Notables of the name McGowan (post 1700) +


The McGowan 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: Tenebras expellit et hostes
Motto Translation: He drives forth the darkness and the foe.


Suggested Readings for the name McGowan +
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