Bowey History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Scotland
Ireland

Etymology of Bowey

What does the name Bowey mean?

Bowey is an ancient Dalriadan-Scottish 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 Bowey family

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

Early History of the Bowey family

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

Bowey Spelling Variations

Translation in medieval times was an undeveloped science and was often carried out without due care. For this reason, many early Scottish names appeared radically altered when written in English. The spelling variations of Bowey include Bowie, Bowey, Bowy, Bouwie, Bouwey, Bouwy, Bouwy, Bawie, Bawey and many more.

Early Notables of the Bowey family

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

Migration of the Bowey family to Ireland

Some of the Bowey 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.

Bowey migration to Australia +

Bowey Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century

Mary Bowey, aged 29, a servant, who arrived in South Australia in 1855 aboard the ship "Sea Park"
Richard B. Bowey, aged 39, a blacksmith, who arrived in South Australia in 1858 aboard the ship "Storm Cloud"

The Bowey 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.