| ![Show Contents]() Gowler History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms
- Origins Available:
England
Etymology of GowlerWhat does the name Gowler mean? The surname Gowler was derived from the Middle English words: "gaveler", "goveler" or "gouler," translating into "usurer" which in turn was derived from the Old English word "gafol" meaning "tribute, rent, interest." Therefore, one can presume that the name was originally an occupational name. Alternatively, the name could have been derived from the occupational "gaoler," or in modern terms a "jailer." 1 2 3 Early Origins of the Gowler familyThe surname Gowler was first found in Dorset, England where Ralph Gaulere was listed as hold lands in the Pipe Rolls of 1206. Later, William le Gavelere was recorded in the Feet of Fines for Essex in 1305. 4 The Hundredorum Rolls of 1273 included entries for Adam le Gaoler, Norfolk; Richard le Gayeler, Oxfordshire; and John le Gaylur, Bedfordshire; while the Yorkshire Poll Tax Rolls listed Thomas Gaylour as holding lands there at that time. 5 Early History of the Gowler familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Gowler research. Another 73 words (5 lines of text) covering the years 1305, 1455 and 1487 are included under the topic Early Gowler History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Gowler Spelling VariationsBefore the last few hundred years, the English language had no fast system of spelling rules. For that reason, spelling variations are commonly found in early Anglo-Saxon surnames. Over the years, many variations of the name Gowler were recorded, including Goawler, Gowler, Goveler, Gaveler and others. Early Notables of the Gowler familyMore information is included under the topic Early Gowler Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
| Gowler migration to the United States | + |
To escape oppression and starvation at that time, many English families left for the "open frontiers" of the New World with all its perceived opportunities. In droves people migrated to the many British colonies, those in North America in particular, paying high rates for passages in cramped, unsafe ships. Although many of the settlers did not make the long passage alive, those who did see the shores of North America perceived great opportunities before them. Many of the families that came from England went on to make essential contributions to the emerging nations of Canada and the United States. Research into various historical records revealed some of first members of the Gowler family emigrate to North America:
Gowler Settlers in United States in the 20th Century- George R. Gowler, aged 44, who arrived in America from Havana, Cuba, in 1912
| Contemporary Notables of the name Gowler (post 1700) | + |
- David B. Gowler GC, American author, professor at Oxford College of Emory, NC
- Vicki Gowler GC, American editor of the Idaho Statesman
- Jackie Gowler (b. 1996), New Zealand representative rower, bronze medal winner at the 2024 Summer Olympics, silver medal winner at the 2020 Summer Olympics
- Oliver Gowler GC (1812-1865), English-born Canadian pioneer farmer in Manitoba, Canada, eponym of Gowler Road in Winnipeg
- Smith, Eldson Coles, New Dictionary of American Family Names New York: Harper & Row, 1956. Print
- Lower, Mark Anthony, Patronymica Britannica, A Dictionary of Family Names of the United Kingdom. London: John Russel Smith, 1860. Print.
- Harrison, Henry, Surnames of the United Kingdom: A Concise Etymological Dictionary Baltimore: Geneological Publishing Company, 2013. Print
- Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)
- Bardsley, C.W, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames: With Special American Instances. Wiltshire: Heraldry Today, 1901. Print. (ISBN 0-900455-44-6)
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