McGowan

McGowan is a surname of Irish and Scottish origin. It is an Anglicized form of several Gaelic names and has variants such as MacGowan, McGowen, McGowin, and McGown. The name is typically patronymic, associated with Gaelic personal names, and has historical ties to families in Ulster in Ireland and in the western Highlands and Islands of Scotland. Over the centuries, bearers of the name migrated to other regions, contributing to its presence in North America, Australia, and elsewhere.

In genealogical and historical records, McGowan appears in parish registers, censuses, immigration lists, and other documents dating from earlier centuries. The exact Gaelic origins can vary by family, reflecting the ways names were anglicized and localized in different regions.

Notable people with the surname include Rose McGowan (born 1973), an American actress and activist known for her film work and advocacy. The name remains relatively common in English-speaking countries and is frequently encountered in discussions of Irish- and Scottish-origin surnames.

Variants and related spellings, such as MacGowan, McGowen, and McGown, illustrate regional and linguistic differences in the Anglicization of Gaelic names. The surname continues to be used by individuals and families across borders, preserving a link to its Gaelic roots while adapting to modern naming conventions.