McGowan

McGowan is an Irish and Scottish surname. It is an Anglicized form of Mac Ghabhann (Irish) and Mac Gobhainn (Scottish Gaelic), both meaning 'son of the smith'. The name derives from the occupational nickname gobha, 'blacksmith'. In Irish tradition, the Mac Ghabhann sept belonged to the Uí Echach Cobo in modern-day County Down, Ulster, sharing common ancestry with the McGuinness clan.

Meaning

Though not strictly an occupational surname, MacGowan originates from the personal description gobha (smith). As a result, some branches of the MacGowan sept have alternatively anglicised their name to Smythe or Smith. The literal translation from Irish to English is 'son of (the) smith.'

Scottish origins

In Scotland, Mac an Ghobhainn was anglicised to MacGowan, and Mac Gobha (later McGow) also became MacGowan. The importance of smiths, who forged weapons and armor, gave the name a considerable historical weight across both Irish and Scottish cultures.

• Meaning: Son of the smith
• Origin: Irish, Scottish
• Type: Surname (Anglicized patronymic)
• Variants: Mac Ghabhann, MacGowan, MacGobhainn
• Usage regions: Ireland (especially Ulster), Scotland