Origin & Meaning of the Gowan Surname
What does the last name Gowan mean?
The surname Gowan carries the meaning "Family name of European origin." It is derived from the European language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 2,941 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Gowan ranks as the #10,829 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Gowan come from?
The Gowan surname has its roots in European heritage. Names of European 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 Gowan name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Gowan trace back to European. 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 | Gowan |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Family name of European origin |
| Origin | European |
| Language | European |
| US Rank (2010) | #10,829 |
| US Count (2010) | 2,941 |
| Per 100K People | 1.0 |
| First Letter | G |
Ethnic Distribution of Gowan
According to the US Census, the Gowan surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 2,941 Americans with the Gowan last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 90.68% |
| Black | 4.11% |
| Hispanic | 2.35% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.68% |
| Native American | 0.65% |
| Two or More Races | 1.53% |
Popularity of Gowan Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Gowan surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Gowan surname decreased by 27 between 2000 and 2010.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Gowan
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