Surname MacBowan - Meaning and Origin

MacBowan: What does the surname MacBowan mean?

The surname MacBowan is an anglicization of the Scottish Gaelic name Mac Shamhain, which means “son of Samhain” or “son of protection”. The name traces its origins back to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, which marked the transition of summer into winter. Samhain was the time of year when cattle were brought back from pastures and herds were culled, and it was a time for welcoming in spirits and ancestors who were believed to bring strength and protection.

For this reason, those with the surname MacBowan associated their name with strength and protection, and the name was traditionally passed down through the paternal line of the family. The MacBowan surname is thought to have originated in Scotland, with the first recorded use of the name dating back to the 13th century.

The name is relatively rare in the modern day, but is found primarily in Scotland and parts of the United States as well. It has been a source of pride for many generations, and for those families that do carry the name, there is an underlying sense of respect for ancestors who provided strength and security during a time of transition.

MacBowan: Where does the name MacBowan come from?

The last name MacBowan is most commonly found today in Scotland, with numerous historical records tracing back to the 15th century. The surname is one of the oldest recorded in Scotland, with an illustrious history with multiple branches and families. The first record of the name is from the parish of Kilmuir in the Inner Hebrides and dates to the late fourteenth and early fifteenth century.

The MacBowans were renowned for their tenacity and endurance, with many representatives of the family having played an important part in the Scottish Highlanders' fight for independence. Members of the family were also involved in various battles during the Anglo-Jacobite uprising, and many of the MacBowans held important roles in various Scottish rebellions. Emerging as respected figures in their communities, the MacBowans continued to be respected leaders into the modern age.

Today, the family is found in many remote rural communities across Scotland, as well as in larger cities like Glasgow and Edinburgh. The name is also very popular in the Canadian provinces of British Columbia, Alberta, and Ontario, with many descendants of the original MacBowans now living in the United States.

Variations of the surname MacBowan

The surname MacBowan is a part of the wider Mac family and is generally associated with Scotland and Ireland. The traditional Scottish spelling is ‘MacBhòidhe’, whilst the modern version is anglicised to become MacBowan. Variations of the surname can include MacKowan, MacCowan, McAuwain, and McCowan. The MacBowan clan may even spell their own surname differently, depending on what part of Scotland or Ireland they come from.

In Scotland, MacBhòidhe for example can be spelt as MacBhawen, MacBowen, MacBooan, or MacBeauden. Other spellings of the surname include Mac Cubbin, promulgated by the Irish branch MacGobhann, and the Dutch MacGovan, which is often seen in American records. However, the original Gaelic spelling of MacBhòidhe will always be the most authentic spelling.

In Ireland, the same surname might take on either an Anglicised or Gaelic spelling, depending on the region and the period of time. Anglicised versions such as MacCavan or MacCowan are more popular in areas such as Northern Ireland and Scotland, and Gaelic versions like MacGobhann in Irish-speaking regions. Other more unconventional versions of MacBowan that exist today include MacCombie, MacGubbins, McGeever, and MacGee.

No matter how the MacBowan surname is spelt, it is of Celtic origin and is seen predominantly amongst Scottish and Irish families. The changing of spelling and regional dialects over centuries have made for a lot of variations in the spelling of the surname, but whether MacBowan, MacCavan, MacCowan, MacGobhann, MacCombie, MacGubbins, McGeever, or MacGee, they all stem from a shared Celtic ancestry.

Famous people with the name MacBowan

• Alexander MacBowan: Scottish footballer who has played for Dundee United, Shrewsbury Town and Motherwell.
• James MacBowan: British doctor and medical professor at the University of Edinburgh.
• John MacBowan: Australian rugby league player who represented his country in six tests from 1995-97.
• William MacBowan: Scottish-born doctor, physician, and professor at the University of Glasgow during the 19th century.
• James B. MacBowan: American professor of sociology at Georgia State University from 1975-83.
• George MacBowan: British Army officer who served in World War II and was decorated for bravery.
• Grant MacBowan: American football player who played for the Arizona Cardinals in the NFL from 2001–02.
• Lewis MacBowan: Scottish golfer who won the British Amateur Championship in 1921.
• Frank MacBowan: Canadian NHL player for the Montreal Canadiens from 1924-34.
• Helen MacBowan: British artist and writer whose work has been exhibited across Europe, the United States, and Canada.

Other surnames

MacBowen