Origin & Meaning of the Cowans Surname
What does the last name Cowans mean?
The surname Cowans carries the meaning "Surname with roots in African American heritage." It is derived from the English language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 1,829 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Cowans ranks as the #15,898 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Cowans come from?
The Cowans surname has its roots in African American heritage. Names of African American origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the Cowans name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Cowans trace back to English. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.
Quick Facts
| Surname | Cowans |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Surname with roots in African American heritage |
| Origin | African American |
| Language | English |
| US Rank (2010) | #15,898 |
| US Count (2010) | 1,829 |
| Per 100K People | 0.62 |
| First Letter | C |
Ethnic Distribution of Cowans
According to the US Census, the Cowans surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 1,829 Americans with the Cowans last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 21.1% |
| Black | 70.53% |
| Hispanic | 2.73% |
| Two or More Races | 5.03% |
Popularity of Cowans Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Cowans surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Cowans surname increased by 240 between 2000 and 2010.
Discover Your Cowans Ancestry
Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Cowans ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.
Affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Similar Surnames to Cowans
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Cowans.
Other African American Surnames
Explore more surnames with African American roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same African American origin as Cowans.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cowans
Related Searches
People searching for information about the Cowans surname also look for: