Origin & Meaning of the Cowles Surname
What does the last name Cowles mean?
The surname Cowles carries the meaning "Son of Cowles." It is derived from the Spanish language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 6,215 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Cowles ranks as the #5,598 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Cowles come from?
The Cowles surname has its roots in Spanish/Portuguese heritage. Names of Spanish/Portuguese 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 Cowles name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Cowles trace back to Spanish. 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 | Cowles |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Son of Cowles |
| Origin | Spanish/Portuguese |
| Language | Spanish |
| US Rank (2010) | #5,598 |
| US Count (2010) | 6,215 |
| Per 100K People | 2.11 |
| First Letter | C |
Ethnic Distribution of Cowles
According to the US Census, the Cowles surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 6,215 Americans with the Cowles last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 89.98% |
| Black | 4.23% |
| Hispanic | 2.49% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.61% |
| Native American | 0.58% |
| Two or More Races | 2.11% |
Popularity of Cowles Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Cowles surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Cowles surname increased by 50 between 2000 and 2010.
Discover Your Cowles Ancestry
Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Cowles ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.
Affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Similar Surnames to Cowles
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Cowles.
Other Spanish/Portuguese Surnames
Explore more surnames with Spanish/Portuguese roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same Spanish/Portuguese origin as Cowles.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cowles
Related Searches
People searching for information about the Cowles surname also look for: