McGowan is an Irish and Scottish surname. It is an Anglicization of the

Irish Irish may refer to: Common meanings * Someone or something of, from, or related to: ** Ireland, an island situated off the north-western coast of continental Europe ***Éire, Irish language name for the isle ** Northern Ireland, a constituent unit ...

Mac Gabhann and Scottish surname ''Mac Gobhann''. Belonging to the

Uí Echach Cobo Iveagh ( ; ) is the name of several historical territorial divisions in what is now County Down, Northern Ireland. Originally it was a Gaelic Irish territory, ruled by the ''Uí Echach Cobo'' and part of the overkingdom of Ulaid. From the 12th c ...

, located in modern-day County Down in the east of

Ulster Ulster (; ga, Ulaidh or ''Cúige Uladh'' ; sco, label= Ulster Scots, Ulstèr or ''Ulster'') is one of the four traditional Irish provinces. It is made up of nine counties: six of these constitute Northern Ireland (a part of the United Kin ...

, they produced several over-kings of

Ulaid Ulaid (Old Irish, ) or Ulaidh ( Modern Irish, ) was a Gaelic over-kingdom in north-eastern Ireland during the Middle Ages made up of a confederation of dynastic groups. Alternative names include Ulidia, which is the Latin form of Ulaid, and i ...

. By the late 12th century, the English had expelled the McGowans to

Tír Chonaill Tyrconnell (), also spelled Tirconnell, was a kingdom of Gaelic Ireland, associated geographically with present-day County Donegal, which has sometimes been called ''County Tyrconnell''. At times it also included parts of County Fermanagh, Cou ...

(now largely modern-day

County Donegal County Donegal ( ; ga, Contae Dhún na nGall) is a county of Ireland in the province of Ulster and in the Northern and Western Region. It is named after the town of Donegal in the south of the county. It has also been known as County Tyrconn ...

) in the west of Ulster.

Meaning

As noted further in source by

John O'Hart John O'Hart (1824–1902) was an Irish genealogist. He was born in Crossmolina, County Mayo, Ireland. A committed Roman Catholic and Irish nationalist, O'Hart had originally planned to become a priest but instead spent two years as a poli ...

, though not an occupational surname, MacGowan evolves as an Anglicization of the original

Gaelic language The Goidelic or Gaelic languages ( ga, teangacha Gaelacha; gd, cànanan Goidhealach; gv, çhengaghyn Gaelgagh) form one of the two groups of Insular Celtic languages, the other being the Brittonic languages. Goidelic languages historically ...

personal description or nickname ''gobha'', meaning "blacksmith". For this reason, the surnames of some septs of the MacGowan are alternately anglicised to Smythe or

Smith Smith may refer to: People * Metalsmith, or simply smith, a craftsman fashioning tools or works of art out of various metals * Smith (given name) * Smith (surname), a family name originating in England, Scotland and Ireland ** List of people wi ...

. Mac, which may appear in anglicised contraction as Mc, sometimes written M^c or, further, abbreviated M', means in English "son", but, when an element used to form a

patronymic in its usage of "They have no share in the promise made to the sons of Adam“, that is "descended" of a thereafter personal named or nicknamed (sometimes by description as in Gaelic language Duinneshliebhe, anglicised

Donlevy Donlevy is a firstname and surname of Irish origin. Also spelt as MacDonlevy, Donleavy, Dunleavy, MacAleavey, and McAlevey, it derives from the Irish ''Mac Duinnshléibhe'', meaning "son of Donn of the mountain". ''Ó Duinnshléibhe'' is a varia ...

, "brown haired chief of the mountain fort", Gaelic language gobha "the smithy", anglicised Gowan, or the Gaelic language Ultaigh, anglicised Nulty, "the Ulidian") founding ancestor or sire of a Gaelic clan. The surname Mac Gowan, therefore, translates from Gaelic language to English language as "descended of the smith".

Scottish Origins

In Scotland, Mac an Ghobhain was anglicized to MacGowan. Mac Gobha, later McGow, was also made MacGowan. As the maker of arms and armor, the smith was an important hereditary position in each clan and there were MacGowans, or MacGouns, found throughout the Highlands. The two most important septs, however, were the MacGowans of Clan Donald (only to be found in Antrim and South Uist) and those of Clan MacPherson. There was also a Clan McGowan noted in fourteenth century Nithsdale in Dumfriesshire, and in Sterlingshire there was an old family of MacGowans of uncertain origin.

Irish Origins

In Ireland the name MacGowan refers to an eponymous ancestor, Aengus an Gobhain ("Angus the Smith") or Áengus Goibnenn mac Fergus Gallen mheic Tibraide Tirech, who was a High King of Ulster and the son of Fergus Galeng, son of

Tipraiti Tireach Tipraiti Tireach (136 — 187) spelled with numerous different variations such as ''Tibraite'', ''Tipraite'', ''Tiobraide'', ''Thilbruidhe'' and ''Tiobradhe'', was a Celtic legendary King of Ulster according to the ''Annals of the Four Masters'' ...

. The MacGowans were formerly chiefs in Dalariada, a principality in eastern Ulidia. However, they were driven to Donegal, Cavan, and Sligo in the 12th century due to English invasions in eastern Ireland. The MacGowans who settled in Sligo had their home at Castlegowan in Sligo, and thereafter a great number of them moved to Rossinver Parish in Leitrim. This family gave birth to many eminent ecclesiastics and literary men, and among the latter class may be mentioned Tadg Mac-an-Gowan, chief historiographer to the O'Connors towards the close of the 14th century ; Felan M'an- Gowan by whom, assisted by the O'Dugans of East Galway, was compiled the " Book of the O'Kellys," commonly called the " Book of Hy-Many ;" and the no less distin guished ecclesiastical writer, Angus Ceile De M'anGowan, author of " Lives of the Irish Saints," and other tracts, who lived in the third quarter of the eighth century, and of whom the following pedigree is preserved.A History of the Clanna-Rory, or Rudricians by Richard F. Cronnelly, pg. 28 As for the MacGowans who remained in the north east of Ireland (in Antrim specifically)), this family would later be associated with the MacDonnell Chieftains, who were a branch of the Scottish Clan Donald.

Notable people

USS McGowan (DD-678) at sea, circa in 1945

* Alistair McGowan (born 1964), British impressionist *

Andrew McGowan Andrew Brian McGowan (born 1961) is an Australian scholar of early Christianity and an Anglican priest. He is McFaddin Professor of Anglican Studies at Yale Divinity School and dean and president of the Berkeley Divinity School at Yale. Prior to ...

(born 1961), Australian priest and scholar *

Angela McGowan Angela McGowan is an Australian archaeologist known for her work on Aboriginal and European heritage and culture in Tasmania, Australia. McGowan predominantly worked in Heard Island, off the coast of Antarctica and Tasmania. Cultural heritage ...

, Australian archeologist * Archibald C. McGowan (1822–1893), New York politician *

Baron McGowan Baron McGowan, of Ardeer in the County of Ayr Scotland, is a title in the Peerage of the United Kingdom. The current title holder is Harry John Charles McGowan, 4th Baron McGowan. Baron McGowan, of Ardeer The title was created in 1937 for S ...

, the title of four Scottish barons *

Bill McGowan William Aloysius McGowan (January 18, 1896 – December 9, 1954) was an American umpire in Major League Baseball who worked in the American League from 1925 to 1954. McGowan founded the second umpire school in the United States. He was inducted ...

(1896–1954), American baseball umpire *

Brandon McGowan Brandon McGowan (born September 16, 1983) is a former American football safety. He was signed by the Chicago Bears as an undrafted free agent in 2005. He played college football at Maine. Early years McGowan attended Lincoln High School in Jers ...

(born 1983), American football player *

Brian McGowan (disambiguation) Brian McGowan may refer to: * Brian McGowan (businessman) (born 1945), co-founder of Williams Holdings * Brian McGowan (footballer) (born 1938), former Australian rules footballer * Brian McGowan (politician) Brian McGowan (23 September 1935 – ...

several people including: :*

Brian McGowan (businessman) Brian Dennis McGowan (born 1945) is the co-founder of Williams Holdings, one of the United Kingdom's largest conglomerates. Career Educated at Isleworth Grammar School, Brian McGowan initially trained at a firm of accountants in London.

(born 1945), co-founder of Williams Holdings :*

Brian McGowan (footballer) Brian McGowan (born 1 January 1938) is a former Australian rules footballer who played for South Melbourne in the Victorian Football League The Victorian Football League (VFL) is an Australian rules football league in Australia serving as ...

(born 1938), Australian rules footballer :*

Brian McGowan (politician) Brian McGowan (23 September 1935 – 8 March 1994) was an Australian politician who was elected as a member of the New South Wales Legislative Assembly. Brian McGowan was born in the Sydney suburb of Stanmore. He left school at 14 and worked as ...

(1935–1994), member of the New South Wales Legislative Assembly * Charles M. McGowan (1923–2013), American businessman and politician * Donald W. McGowan (1899–1967), U.S. Army Major General *

Dustin McGowan Dustin Michael McGowan (born March 24, 1982) is an American former professional baseball pitcher. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Toronto Blue Jays, Philadelphia Phillies, and Miami Marlins. Professional career Toronto Blue Jays ...

(born 1982), North American baseball player *

Dylan McGowan Dylan John McGowan (born 6 August 1991) is an Australian professional footballer who plays as a defender for Hamilton Academical, on loan from Kilmarnock. Early life McGowan was born in Adelaide into a Scottish family from Glasgow. He is the ...

(born 1991), Australian soccer player * Gavin McGowan (born 1976), English footballer *

Gerald S. McGowan Gerald Stephen "Gerry" McGowan (born September 3, 1946 Birmingham, Michigan) is an American lawyer, wireless industry entrepreneur, and diplomat. He was appointed United States Ambassador to Portugal on November 10, 1997, and was sworn in by Vice ...

(born 1946), United States Ambassador to Portugal, 1998–2001 * J. P. McGowan (1880–1952), Australian-American actor, screenwriter, and director *

James McGowen James Sinclair Taylor McGowen (16 August 1855 – 7 April 1922) was an Australian politician. He served as premier of New South Wales from 1910 to 1913, the first member of the Australian Labor Party (ALP) to hold the position, and was a key f ...

(1855–1922), Premier of New South Wales 1910–1913 *

Jewel McGowan Jewel McGowan (1921-1962) is best known as a dancer of Lindy Hop, a form of swing dance, in the 1940s and 1950s. She also danced in other, non-swing films, and with modern jazz dance pioneer Jack Cole. She is known among dance aficionados as the f ...

(1921–1962), American dancer * Joe McGowan (born 1944), Irish historian * John McGowan (disambiguation), several people, including :*

Jack McGowan John McGowan (1894–1977) was an American librettist, director and producer. Selected credits *'' Say When'', Producer and Book *''Pardon My English'', Book Director *'' Earl Carroll's Vanities of 1932'', Book *'' Heigh-ho, Everybody'', Writer ...

(1894–1977), Broadway writer, performer and producer :* John McGowan (footballer), Scottish footballer :*

Jack McGowan (golfer) John W. "Jack" McGowan (December 18, 1930 – February 15, 2001) was an American professional golfer. McGowan was born in Concord, New Hampshire. He turned professional in 1954 and joined the PGA Tour in 1961. He played on the PGA Tour through ...

(1930–2001), American professional golfer :* John McGowan (Medal of Honor) (1831–?), American Civil War sailor and Medal of Honor recipient :* John McGowan (Ontario politician) (1845–1922), Ontario MPP and member of the Canadian House of Commons :* John McGowan (professor) (born 1953), academic at the University of North Carolina, author, editor :* J. P. McGowan John Paterson McGowan (1880–1952), Hollywood actor and director :*

John Reid McGowan John Reid "Gentleman Jack" McGowan (4 October 1872 – 18 July 1912) was an Australian boxing champion. During his long career in the ring he fought over 110 battles, and was the first fighter to win three Australian titles at different weights, ...

(1872–1912), Australian boxing champion * Jonas H. McGowan (1837–1909), US Representative from Michigan * Kathleen McGowan (born 1963), American novelist *

Keith McGowan Keith McGowan OAM (9 March 1943 – 22 December 2013) was an Australian radio presenter. He was born in Melbourne, Australia and died there, aged 70 years. Radio career McGowan got his first job in radio in May 1957, when he started as an off ...

(born 1943), Australian radio presenter *

Kyric McGowan Kyric McGowan (born November 1, 1999) is an American football wide receiver who is a free agent. He played college football at Northwestern and Georgia Tech and was signed by the Commanders as an undrafted free agent in . Early life and educat ...

(born 1999), American football player * Margaret M. McGowan (born 1931), scholar * Mark McGowan (disambiguation), several people :*

Mark McGowan Mark McGowan (born 13 July 1967) is an Australian politician, the 30th premier of Western Australia, and the leader of the Western Australian branch of the Labor Party. McGowan was born and raised in Newcastle, New South Wales. He attended t ...

(born 1967), Australian politician and Premier of Western Australia. :* Mark McGowan (Gaelic footballer) (born 1988), Donegal player :*

Mark McGowan (performance artist) Mark McGowan (born 9 June 1964) is a British street artist, performance artist, film maker and prominent public protester who has gone by the artist name Chunky Mark and more recently The Artist Taxi Driver. By profession, McGowan is a London ta ...

(born 1964), British protester * Martin McGowan (disambiguation), several people, including :* Martin McGowan (footballer) (born 1962), Scottish footballer :*

Martin McGowan (Irish politician) Martin Bernard McGowan (7 November 1890 – 14 June 1958) was an Irish politician and teacher. He was born in Aghamore, Ballyshannon, County Leitrim, to parents James McGowan, national school principal, and Margaret Jane McGowan (née Gallagher ...

(died 1958), Irish politician and teacher :* Martin J. McGowan, Jr. (1920–2009), American politician and newspaper editor *

Ned McGowan (lawyer) Edward "Ned" McGowan (March 12, 1813 – December 8, 1893) was an American lawyer, Pennsylvania assemblyman, Judge of the California Court of Quarter Sessions, poet, Fraser Canyon gold seeker, adventurer, assistant sergeant-at-arms in the Un ...

(1812–1892), North American Gold rush pioneer *

Pat McGowan Patrick Ray McGowan (born November 27, 1954) is an American professional golf instructor and former PGA Tour player. McGowan was born in Grand Forks, North Dakota. He attended Brigham Young University. He played on the golf team with fellow PGA ...

(born 1954), American golfer * Patrick K. McGowan, American politician * P. J. McGowan (born 1950s), Irish Gaelic football manager and administrator * Richard McGowan (1933–2007), American explorer, mountaineer, and entrepreneur * Robert McGowan (disambiguation), several people, including :* Robert A. McGowan (1901–1955), American screenwriter and director :*

Robert F. McGowan Robert Francis McGowan (July 11, 1882 – January 27, 1955) was an American film director and producer, best known as the senior director of the ''Our Gang'' short subjects film series from 1922 until 1933. Career Before moving to Los Angeles, ...

(1882–1955), American film director and producer :* Robert Barrington-Ward Robert McGowan Barrington-Ward (1891–1948), journalist :* Robert McGowan Coventry (1855–1914), Scottish painter :* Robert McGowan Dickie (c. 1784 – 1854), Nova Scotia legislator :*

Robert McGowan Littlejohn Robert McGowan Littlejohn (23 October 1890 – 6 May 1982) was a major general in the United States Army who graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York, in 1912. He served with the Pancho Villa Expedition and ...

(1890–1982), American major general *

Rose McGowan Rósa Arianna "Rose" McGowan (born September 5, 1973) is an American actress. After her film debut in a brief role in the comedy '' Encino Man'' (1992), McGowan achieved wider recognition for her performance in the dark comedy ''The Doom Generat ...

(born 1973), American actress *

Ross McGowan Ross Ian Thomas McGowan (born 23 April 1982) is an English professional golfer. He has won twice on the European Tour, the 2009 Madrid Masters and the 2020 Italian Open. Early life and amateur career McGowan was born in Basildon, Essex, and ...

(born 1982), English golfer * Ryan McGowan (born 1989), Australian soccer player * Samuel McGowan (admiral) (1870–1934), admiral in the United States Navy *

Samuel McGowan (general) Samuel McGowan (October 19, 1819 – August 9, 1897) was an American military officer, lawyer, politician, judge, and a Brigadier general in the Confederate army during the American Civil War. Born in South Carolina, he commanded a brigade in A ...

(1819–1897), Confederate general during the American Civil War * Samuel Henry McGowan (c. 1844 – 1921), gold mining entrepreneur in Bendigo, Victoria, Australia * Steve McGowan (disambiguation), several people, including :* Stephen McGowan, chief financial officer of Sun Microsystems :* Stephen McGowan (footballer) (born 1984) Scottish (soccer) footballer :* Stephen McGowan (kidnap victim), South African and British citizen, kidnapped in Mali :* Steve McGowan, English rugby league player *

Taj McGowan Taj McGowan (born December 30, 1996) is an American football running back who is a free agent. He played college football at UCF, where he rushed for 470 yards and 8 touchdowns his senior season. Professional career McGowan appeared in a rooki ...

(born 1997), American football player *

Tom McGowan Thomas McGowan (born July 26, 1959) is an American actor. He first became known for his stage career both on and off Broadway. In 1991, he was nominated for the Tony Award for Best Actor in a Play and the Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Actor in ...

(born 1959), American actor * Thomas F. McGowan (1925–1997), New York politician and judge *

Zach McGowan Zach McGowan (born May 5, 1980) is an American film, television and voice actor. He is known for his roles in television series '' Shameless'' as Jody, ''Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.'' as Anton Ivanov/The Superior, '' Black Sails'' as Charles Vane, an ...

(born 1980), actor, producer, voice-over artist MacGowan * Alice MacGowan (1858–1947), American writer *

Shane MacGowan Shane Patrick Lysaght MacGowan (born 25 December 1957) is an Irish singer, songwriter, and musician. He is best known as the lead singer and songwriter of Celtic punk band the Pogues. He was also a member of the Nipple Erectors and Shane MacGow ...

(born 1957), Irish musician * Foster MacGowan Voorhees (1856–1927), American politician, governor of New Jersey Gowan * Hunter Gowan John Hunter Gowan II (c. 1727 – 1824), Irish Protestant politician and militiaman *

Lawrence Gowan Lawrence Henry Gowan (born 22 November 1956) is a Scottish born Canadian singer and keyboardist. He was born in Glasgow and raised in the Toronto suburb of Scarborough, Ontario. Gowan has been both a solo artist and lead vocalist and keyboard ...

(born 1956), Canadian musician who used the stage name Gowan *

Ogle Robert Gowan Ogle Robert Gowan (July 13, 1803 – August 21, 1876) was a farmer, Orangeman, journalist and political figure in Upper Canada and Canada West. He was born in County Wexford, Ireland in 1803, the son of Hunter Gowan, an Orangeman and small ...

(1803–1876), Canadian-Irish politician, son of Hunter Gowan *

Peter Gowan Peter Gowan (15 January 1946, Glasgow – 12 June 2009) was a Professor of International Relations at London Metropolitan University, activist, published author and public speaker. He was a member of the editorial committee of ''New Left Rev ...

(1946–2009), UK socialist academic

Other uses

* USS ''McGowan'' (DD-678), a US Navy destroyer

References