Surname MacOwan - Meaning and Origin
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MacOwan: What does the surname MacOwan mean?
The last name MacOwan is of Scottish origin and is a sept or clan of the MacDonald clan. The name is derived from the Scottish Gaelic Mac Eoghain, which translates to "son of Eoghain". The O'Eoghain Clan was a branch of the larger Clan Donald and were descended from Eoghain Mōr (Owen the Great), the eponymous founder of the clan in the 13th century.
In Scotland, MacOwan is a common surname, particularly in the Northern Isles and the Western Isles, and was not uncommon throughout mainland Scotland in the past. The name may be anglicised to MacEwen or MacKeown, with the former popular in certain areas and the latter commonly found in Ireland.
In the modern era, the MacOwans have achieved a measure of fame due to prominent individuals who bore the name. Notable individuals with the MacOwan surname include the military hero and adventurer Major-General Donald MacOwan, who served in the British Army in India during the Victorian era, and sales entrepreneur Bruce MacOwan, who has made a name for himself in the fashion world.
The MacOwan surname is a reminder of the rich culture and history of Scotland, as well as the proud Scots that have proudly carried the name throughout the centuries. It is a sign of strength and resilience, which is something that should be celebrated in the present day.
Order DNA origin analysisMacOwan: Where does the name MacOwan come from?
The last name MacOwan is most commonly found in Scotland today. Since the name is derived from the early Gaelic influences in Scotland, it is most prevalent in the Highlands and Islands.
Throughout Scotland, MacOwans can be found in many communities, from the remote crofting villages, to the larger cities and towns. MacOwans often have had strong family connections to the sea in Scotland, with many following in a long seafaring tradition and some with impressive sailing credentials.
Particular concentrations of the surname MacOwan can be found on the island of Skye, the Isle of Mull, Harris and Lewis and of course around the coasts of northwest Scotland. In these areas, the name MacOwan often exists as a clan name, suggesting it is a common family name.
Outside of Scotland, the MacOwan name can be found in English-speaking countries such as Canada and the United States, as many Scots emigrated there during the 19th and 20th centuries. It may also be found in Ireland, as Scots often settled in Ulster and examples of the surname can be found in historical records there.
Variations of the surname MacOwan
The surname MacOwan is an anglicized version of the Gaelic surname MacEoghain, which is itself an Anglicization of two other Gaelic surnames: Mac Eochaidh and Mac Egan.
The most common spelling of MacOwan in Ireland is MacEoghain.This variant can be spelled a number of ways, including MacGowan, MacEwan, MacKeown, MacGawin and MacKeighton. Other variants include MacEwen, Ewing, MacKeon, McGowan, MacKewan and MacEwing.
MacEoghain has a number of other variations in spelling, including M’Ewan, MacOwan, McEwan, MacCone and MacEnow.
Names of similar origins include MacEgan, which can be Anglicized as McKeon; and MacEochaidh, which is usually spelled MacEoigh or McGeough.
In the United States, some members of the MacOwan family have anglicized their surname by taking on the spelling variants McOwen, MacOwen and McEwen.
In Scotland, the surname is traditionally spelled MacOwan and is believed to derive from the Old Irish surname Mac Aedhagain, which is a combination of the words Ae meaning 'son' and Eochagain meaning 'horse lord'. Variants and alternate spellings for MacOwan in Scotland include MacEwen, Sim, Sima, MacKeown, MacEwan, McAwen, MacKewen, McKain and McEwin.
In Wales, the name is usually spelled MacGowan, while in England, it is sometimes spelled MacGawen or MacGowen.
Famous people with the name MacOwan
- Angus MacOwan: Scottish Gaelic poet and interpreter.
- Bob MacOwan: American actor best known for his role in the film "All My Children".
- David MacOwan: Canadian professional ice hockey player.
- Jamie MacOwan: Australian country musician.
- Johnny MacOwan: British painter and sculptor.
- Miles MacOwan: Northern Irish race car driver.
- Muriel MacOwan: Canadian journalist, broadcaster and writer.
- Richard MacOwan: Canadian artist known for his figurative paintings.
- Rob MacOwan: Canadian skeleton athlete who won gold in 2010 Olympics.
- Ross MacOwan: Canadian politician and one of the founding members of the Green Party of Canada.