Bowy History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Scotland
Ireland

Etymology of Bowy

What does the name Bowy mean?

The Bowy family finds its ancestral home among the rugged mountains and sea-swept Hebrides islands of Scotland's west coast. In that area, once known as the kingdom of Dalriada, Bowy evolved as 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 Bowy family

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

Early History of the Bowy family

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

Bowy Spelling Variations

In the Middle Ages, the translation between Gaelic and English was not a highly developed process. Spelling was not yet standardized, and so, an enormous number of spelling variations appear in records of early Scottish names. Bowy has appeared as Bowie, Bowey, Bowy, Bouwie, Bouwey, Bouwy, Bouwy, Bawie, Bawey and many more.

Early Notables of the Bowy family

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

Migration of the Bowy family to Ireland

Some of the Bowy 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 Bowy family

Ancestors of many of the Dalriadan families who crossed the Atlantic still live along the east coast of the United States and Canada. Some Scottish settlers arrived in Canada during the American War of Independence as United Empire Loyalists, while others stayed south to fight for a new nation. The descendants of Scottish settlers in both countries began to rediscover their heritage in the 19th and 20th centuries through Clan societies and highland games. An inquiry into the early roots of North American families has revealed a number of immigrants bearing the name Bowy 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 Bowy 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.