Bouwy History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Scotland
Ireland

Etymology of Bouwy

What does the name Bouwy mean?

Originally, Bouwy was a nickname for a 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 Bouwy family

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

Early History of the Bouwy family

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

Bouwy Spelling Variations

Spelling variations were extremely common in medieval names, since scribes from that era recorded names according to sound rather than a standard set of rules. Bouwy has appeared in various documents spelled Bowie, Bowey, Bowy, Bouwie, Bouwey, Bouwy, Bouwy, Bawie, Bawey and many more.

Early Notables of the Bouwy family

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

Migration of the Bouwy family to Ireland

Some of the Bouwy 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 Bouwy family

Descendents of Dalriadan-Scottish families still populate many communities across North America. They are particularly common in Canada, since many went north as United Empire Loyalists at the time of the American War of Independence. Much later, in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the highland games and Clan societies that now dot North America sprang up, allowing many Scots to recover their lost national heritage. Some of the first immigrants to cross the Atlantic and come to North America bore the name Bouwy, or a variant listed above: 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 Bouwy 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.