Today's generation of the Cowlles family inherits a name that was first used by the Scottish tribe known as the
Picts. The first family to use the name Cowlles lived in Coull, in
Aberdeenshire. There is also another place so named, in the Highland Region, which may have independently given rise to this surname.
Early Origins of the Cowlles family
The surname Cowlles was first found in
Aberdeenshire (Gaelic: Siorrachd Obar Dheathain), a historic county, and present day Council Area of Aberdeen, located in the Grampian region of northeastern
Scotland in the parish of Coull.
"This place is supposed to have taken its name, which signifies a 'corner,' from its situation in the south-eastern extremity of the district of Cromar. " [1]CITATION[CLOSE]
Lewis, Samuel, A Topographical Dictionary of Scotland. Institute of Historical Research, 1848, Print.
Coull Castle was an 13th-century castle to the south of Coull. Only traces of the castle can be found today.
Early History of the Cowlles family
This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Cowlles research.
Another 150 words (11 lines of text) covering the years 1219 and 1567 are included under the topic Early Cowlles History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Cowlles Spelling Variations
Repeated and inaccurate translation of Scottish names from Gaelic to English and back resulted in a wide variety of
spelling variations with single names. Cowlles has appeared Coull, Coul, Cowill, Cowell, Cull, Cowles, Cowl, Cowle and many more.
Early Notables of the Cowlles family (pre 1700)
More information is included under the topic Early Cowlles Notables in all our
PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Migration of the Cowlles family to Ireland
Some of the Cowlles family moved to
Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 77 words (6 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Migration of the Cowlles family to the New World and Oceana
Many Scottish families suffered enormous hardships and were compelled to leave their country of birth. They traveled to
Ireland and
Australia, but mostly to the colonies of North America, where many found the freedom and opportunity they sought. It was not without a fight, though, as many were forced to stand up and defend their freedom in the American
War of Independence. The ancestors of these Scots abroad have rediscovered their heritage in the last century through the
Clan societies and other organizations that have sprung up across North America. Immigration and passenger ship lists show some important early immigrants bearing the name Cowlles: John Coule who settled in Virginia in 1654; Francis Coull arrived in Philadelphia in 1856; Martin and Sam Cowl arrived in San Francisco in 1850; Ira Cowles arrived in New York in 1820 with his apprentice.
The Cowlles 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: Cole Deum
Motto Translation: Worship God.