McKewen History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Ireland
Scotland

Etymology of McKewen

What does the name McKewen mean?

Hundreds of years ago, the Gaelic name used by the McKewen family in Ireland was Mac Eogain in Connacht, and Mac Eoin in east Ulster. Both of these names connote a "son of John," or "son of Owen." 1

Early Origins of the McKewen family

The surname McKewen was first found in County Sligo (Irish: Sligeach), in the province of Connacht in Northwestern Ireland, where the first people to use this surname are thought to have originated. Soon thereafter, the name was also found in neighboring Leitrim.

Early History of the McKewen family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our McKewen research. Another 84 words (6 lines of text) are included under the topic Early McKewen History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

McKewen Spelling Variations

A name was often recorded during the Middle Ages under several different spelling variations during the life of its bearer because literacy was rare there was no real push to clearly define any of the languages found in the British Isles at that time. Variations found of the name McKewen include Keon, MacKeon, MacKeown, MacKewan, MacKoun, MacWing, Hone, MacOwen, Mageown and many more.

Early Notables of the McKewen family

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

McKewen migration to Canada +

Death and immigration greatly reduced Ireland's population in the 19th century. For the native Irish people poverty, hunger, and racial prejudice was common. Therefore, thousands left their homeland to seek opportunity in North America. Those who survived the journey and the quarantine camps to which they arrived, were instrumental towards building the strong developing nations of the United States and the future Canada. By far, the largest influx of Irish settlers occurred with Great Potato Famine during the late 1840s. These were employed as construction or factory workers. An examination of passenger and immigration lists has shown early immigrants bearing the name McKewen:

McKewen Settlers in Canada in the 19th Century

Donald McKewen, aged 21, who arrived in Canada in 1812

Contemporary Notables of the name McKewen (post 1700) +

Stan McKewen, American head basketball coach for the Arkansas Razorbacks (1942-1944) and (1945-1948)
Trevor McKewen, New Zealand CEO for the Auckland Warriors in the 1999 season
Camilla McKewen, Australian musician, known for her work with Clairy Browne & The Bangin’ Rackettes
Terence Mortimer McKewen JP OBE, New Zealand jurist awarded Officer of the Order of the British Empire in 1963

Sources +

Moore, A.W., Manx Names. London: Elliot Stock, 62 Paternoster Row, 1906. Print