Skip Ancestry navigation Skip to Footer Ancestry Home
  • Home
  • Trees
  • Search
  • Memories
  • DNA
  • Subscribe
  • Cart
  • Sign In
Home
Loading

Trees you own

    Shared with you

      Tree tools

      • My Trees
      • First Name Meanings
      • Last Name Meanings
      • Individual Records Search
      • Family Trees Support
      • Start a New Tree
      • Upload a GEDCOM
      Loading
      • Search All Records
      • Census & Electoral Rolls
      • Birth, Marriage & Death, including Parish
      • Military
      • Wills & Probate
      • Immigration & Travel
      • Schools, Directories & Church Histories
      • Public Member Trees
      • Card Catalogue
      • Member Search
      Memories
      Loading
      • Register a kit
      • AncestryDNA® Learning Hub
      • Traits Learning Hub
      • AncestryDNA®
      • AncestryDNA® Support
      Loading
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Academy
      • Community
      • Hire an expert
      • Site Status
      Loading
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Academy
      • Community
      • Hire an expert
      • Site Status
      Discover More Family Names with an Ancestry 14-day Free Trial* 
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Blog
      • About Us
      • Site Map
      • Gift Memberships
      • Careers
        • Ancestry Corporate
        • Fold3.com
        • ForcesWarRecords.com
        • Geneanet.org
        • Newspapers.com
        • ProGenealogists.com
        • RootsWeb.com
      • © 2002-2026 Ancestry
      • Privacy
      • Cookies
      • Terms and Conditions
      • Operated by Ancestry Ireland Unlimited Company
      Group of people

      Meaning of the first name Macgowan

      Origin

      Irish

      Meaning

      Son of the Servant of God

      Variations

      Maccowan, Magowan, Mcgowan
      The name MacGowan is of Irish origin, deriving from the Gaelic Mac Gabhann, which translates to Son of the servant of God. This compound name is rooted in the Gaelic elements mac, meaning son, and gabhann, which signifies a servant or worker, particularly in a religious context. The name reflects a lineage that, historically, may have been associated with a family dedicated to service, particularly in a religious capacity, evoking themes of devotion and duty.

      The MacGowan surname has deep historical roots in Ireland, where it has been borne by notable figures and families. The name is often linked to the broader Gaelic culture and the clan system that defined Irish society. Over the centuries, members of the MacGowan family have appeared in various records, contributing to significant historical narratives. Their presence can be traced back to the medieval period, illustrating the family's longstanding connection to their homeland and its traditions. As a surname, it reflects the sociopolitical dynamics of Ireland, including the rise and fall of clans and their influence on the surrounding lands.

      In contemporary times, the surname MacGowan continues to be recognized, both in Ireland and among Irish diaspora communities worldwide. It appears in various forms, sometimes anglicized to variations like McGowan. Individuals with this surname have made their mark in diverse fields, including arts, sports, and business. Additionally, the name retains a cultural significance, often reflecting pride in Irish heritage and identity as bearers of a name that signifies a historical connection to faith and service.

      Based on our records...

      Gray

      Gray

      This is the most common surname associated with Macgowan.
      Ann

      Ann

      This is the most common name of those married to a Macgowan.
      Elizabeth

      Elizabeth

      This is the most common name for a child of a Macgowan.
      Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. - © Mapbox - © OpenStreetMap - Improve this map

      What are you curious about?

      Ready to learn more about your own family? Here are two ways to begin.
      Start a free trial
      Order AncestryDNA
      calendar.webp
      Based on our records...

      Did you know?

      1830 is when there were the most people born with the first name Macgowan.

      Explore the origins of another name.