Surname MacOwen - Meaning and Origin
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MacOwen: What does the surname MacOwen mean?
The surname MacOwen is a patronymic Scottish surname originating from the Gaelic language. Its meaning is said to indicate the son of Owain (and variant forms Owen/Eoin). Mac means “son” in Gaelic and Owain is derived from the Welsh Eugein meaning “born of yew.”
The name is spread throughout Scotland and Ireland in the counties of Renfrewshire, County Meath, and County Dublin, which could be associated with family migrations starting in the 16th century.
The recorded spelling of the name in church registers goes back to the 16th century, particularly in St. Michael’s Parish in Edinburgh, Scotland in 1603.
In the early 19th century, members of the family retained the Clan Donovan tartan with a slightly modified pattern of colors.
It is believed that Owains of Scotland can be traced back to the ancient Welsh tribe of the same name. This could explain why MacOwen is found in both countries when looking at the population growth of the name.
In modern times, the name MacOwen remains unique and distinctive. It is a fitting reminder that this name has been around for centuries, providing insight into the rich and diverse history of Scotland and Ireland.
Order DNA origin analysisMacOwen: Where does the name MacOwen come from?
The last name MacOwen is most commonly found today in Scotland and Ireland. In Scotland, the name is associated with a tartan and clan from the Isle of Skye. In Ireland, it is mainly found in the counties of Mayo, Galway and Cork.
The name MacOwen derives from Mac Eoghain or Mac Eoin, which means "son of Eoghain" or "son of John" in Gaelic. There are several variations of the name, including MacOwen, MacEwen and McEwan.
The majority of MacOwens living in Scotland today are descended from the MacEoghainn sept, who were chiefs of the Clann Mhic Eoghainn in the western Hebrides. This was one of the most influential clans of the ancient Kingdom of the Isles, and they held both land and political power throughout the Scottish Highlands and Islands until the 1500s.
Today, the MacOwen surname is most frequently found in Scotland and Ireland, although there are also some families in England, Wales, Canada, the United States, and in other countries. As more people migrate, the surname may become more widespread.
Variations of the surname MacOwen
The surname MacOwen is an Anglicization of the Gaelic name Mac Eoghain. In English, the surname is also sometimes spelled MacEwen and MacEwan. Over the generations, it has been transformed into numerous other spellings, including MacEwan, MacGowen, MacGowan, MacGowin, MacGoven, MacGoven, MacGuinn, MacGwin, MacGwinn, MacGwynn, MacGwinn, MacGwun, MacKewan, MacKewen, MacKewin, MacKewon, MacKewyn, MacKiven, MacKowin and MacQuin.
Variants for the surname have been created in the United States by people of Irish, Scottish, and English descent, a product of the immigration process. Variants of MacOwen include MacCowan, MacGowen, MacGowne, MacGowin, MacKewen, and MacKewin.
The Gaelic MacEoghain became ‘MacEgen’ in Co Donegal, ‘MacEgan’ in Co Galway, and ‘MacGowan’ in Co Wexford. In North America, versions such as McKenney were derived from the MacKewen.
Other surnames with similar roots can be found throughout the British Isles and in the United States. Some of these include McGinn, McKone, MacEachern and MacEgan. Surnames with similar spellings include MacGinty, MacGown, MacKinney, MacKune, Machin, MacHone, Makeen, MacGhee, and MacGill.
The surname has been variously associated with the territories of Scotland, Ireland, and England, with the majority of variants emerging over centuries as a result of immigration, naturalized citizenships, and name variations from misspellings to regional dialect modifications.
Famous people with the name MacOwen
- William MacOwen, a Scottish painter known for his landscape art.
- Cecil MacOwen, a British architect and painter active in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
- Kenneth Robert MacOwen, a Canadian soldier and Victoria Cross recipient.
- George MacOwen, an American author and educator.
- William MacOwen, a 16th century Irish bishop and scholar who wrote poetry and Latin grammars.
- Thomas MacOwen, a British military officer and later Irish-American politician.
- Hugh MacOwen, a Scottish botanist who wrote several books and served as a professor of botany at the University of Glasgow.
- John MacOwen, an American lawyer and politician who served in the New York State Legislature.
- Taylor MacOwen, an Australian rugby league player who represented his country in the 1930s.
- Jock MacOwen, a New Zealand artist known for his portrait painting and caricatures.