MacGowan

Patronymic

Meaning

Son of Gowan, from a personal name possibly meaning 'smith' or derived from Gaelic elements.

Etymology

Mac- means 'son of' in Scottish Gaelic. Gowan may relate to occupational or descriptive terms, though the precise etymology is debated among scholars.

About the MacGowan Surname

A Scottish patronymic surname with possible occupational connections. The name is associated with southwestern Scottish regions.

Distribution & Frequency

Estimated 2,000 bearers in the United States #2,771 most common surname
Rare Common

Primarily found in southwestern Scotland, particularly in Ayrshire and Dumfries and Galloway.

MacGowan Surname Distribution

Geographic distribution based on Civil War military records.

Fewer
More

Notable Bearers

People with the MacGowan Surname