McGowan is an Irish and Scottish surname. It is an anglicisation of the Irish ''Mac Gabhann'' and

Scottish Scottish usually refers to something of, from, or related to Scotland, including: *Scottish Gaelic, a Celtic Goidelic language of the Indo-European language family native to Scotland *Scottish English *Scottish national identity, the Scottish ide ...

''Mac Gobhann'', both of which mean 'son of (the) smith'. Belonging to the

Uí Echach Cobo Iveagh ( ; ) is the name of several historical territorial divisions in what is now County Down, Northern Ireland. Originally it was a Gaelic Irish territory, ruled by the ''Uí Echach Cobo'' and part of the overkingdom of Ulaid. From the 12th c ...

, located in modern-day western

County Down County Down () is one of the six counties of Northern Ireland, one of the nine counties of Ulster and one of the traditional thirty-two counties of Ireland. It covers an area of and has a population of 552,261. It borders County Antrim to the ...

Ulster Ulster (; or ; or ''Ulster'') is one of the four traditional or historic provinces of Ireland, Irish provinces. It is made up of nine Counties of Ireland, counties: six of these constitute Northern Ireland (a part of the United Kingdom); t ...

, they were of the same stock as the

McGuinness McGuinness (also MacGuinness, McGinnis, Guinness) is an Irish surname. It derives from and is an anglicized form of the Gaelic ''Mac Aonghuis'', literally meaning "son of Angus" (Angus meaning "one, choice"). It may also denote the name Mac Nao ...

clan.John O'Hart, ''Irish Pedigrees; or, The Origin and Stem of the Irish Nation'', 5th edition, in two volumes, originally published in Dublin in 1892, reprinted, Baltimore: Genealogical Publishing Company, 1976, Vol. 1, pp. 311–312, 819–820 and 872, for described general historical context for Ulaidh, see, also, ''The Encyclopedia of Ireland'', B. Lalor and F. McCourt editors, © 2003 New Haven: Yale University Press, p. 1089

Meaning

As noted further in the source by

John O'Hart John O'Hart (; 1824–1902) was an Irish historian and genealogist. He is noted for his work on ancient Irish lineage. He was born in Crossmolina, County Mayo, Ireland. A committed Roman Catholic and Irish nationalist, O'Hart had originally pl ...

, though not an occupational surname, MacGowan evolves as an Anglicisation of the original Irish language personal description or nickname , meaning 'blacksmith'. For this reason, the surnames of some septs of the MacGowan are alternately anglicised to Smythe or

Smith Smith may refer to: People and fictional characters * Metalsmith, or simply smith, a craftsman fashioning tools or works of art out of various metals * Smith (given name) * Smith (surname), a family name originating in England ** List of people ...

. The surname MacGowan, therefore, translates from Irish to English as 'son of (the) smith'.

Scottish origins

In Scotland, Mac an Ghobhain was anglicised to MacGowan. Mac Gobha, later McGow, was also made MacGowan. As the maker of arms and armour, the smith was an important hereditary position in each clan and there were MacGowans, or MacGouns, found throughout the Highlands. The two most important septs, however, were the MacGowans of Clan Donald (only to be found in Antrim and South Uist) and those of Clan MacPherson. There was also an Irish-Scot Clan MacGowan recorded in fourteenth-century Nithsdale in Dumfriesshire. The Irish origins of this clan suggest that the Scottish Clan MacGowan may descend from the same eponymous ancestor as those in Ireland who bear the name, with the Scottish branch of the clan having fled to Scotland during the Norman occupation of Ireland. Separately, in Stirlingshire there was an old family of MacGowans of uncertain origin.

Irish origins

In Ireland the name MacGowan refers to an eponymous ancestor, Aengus an Gobhain ("Angus the Smith") or Áengus Goibnenn mac Fergus Gallen mheic Tibraide Tirech, who was a High King of Ulster and the son of Fergus Galeng, son of

Tipraiti Tireach Tipraiti Tireach (136 — 187) spelled with numerous different variations such as ''Tibraite'', ''Tipraite'', ''Tiobraide'', ''Thilbruidhe'' and ''Tiobradhe'', was a Celtic legendary King of Ulster according to the ''Annals of the Four Masters''. ...

. The MacGowans were formerly chiefs in Dalariada, a principality in eastern Ulidia. However, they were driven to Donegal, Cavan, and Sligo in the 12th century due to English invasions in eastern Ireland. The MacGowans who settled in Sligo had their home at Castlegowan in Sligo, and thereafter a great number of them moved to Rossinver Parish in Leitrim. The name McGowan is now very popular in County Sligo and County Leitrim. The name McGowan is particularly common in the parish of Manorhamilton in Leitrim. This family gave birth to many eminent ecclesiastics and literary men, and among the latter class may be mentioned Tadg Mac-an-Gowan, chief historiographer to the O'Connors towards the close of the 14th century; Felan M'an- Gowan by whom, assisted by the O'Dugans of East Galway, was compiled the ''Book of the O'Kellys'', commonly called the ''Book of Hy-Many''; and the no less distinguished ecclesiastical writer, Angus Ceile De M'anGowan, author of ''Lives of the Irish Saints'' and other tracts, who lived in the third quarter of the 8th century, and of whom the following pedigree is preserved. As for the MacGowans who remained in the northeast of Ireland (in Antrim specifically), this family would later be associated with the MacDonnell Chieftains, who were a branch of the Scottish Clan Donald.

Notable people

Alistair McGowan Alistair Charles McGowan (born 24 November 1964) is an English impressionist, BAFTAaward winning comic, actor, pianist, poet, and writer. He starred in '' The Big Impression'' (formerly '' Alistair McGowan's Big Impression''). He has also wor ...

(born 1964), British impressionist * Andrew McGowan (born 1961), Australian priest and scholar * Angela McGowan, Australian archeologist *

Archibald C. McGowan Archibald C. McGowan (August 26, 1822 – February 20, 1893) was an American merchant and politician from New York. Life He was the son of Clark McGowan (died 1824) and Mary (Carpenter) McGowan (died 1824). He attended the district schools, and ...

(1822–1893), New York politician *

Baron McGowan Baron McGowan, of Ardeer, Scotland, Ardeer in the Ayrshire, County of Ayr Scotland, is a title in the Peerage of the United Kingdom. The current title holder is Harry John Charles McGowan, 4th Baron McGowan. Baron McGowan, of Ardeer The title ...

, the title of four Scottish barons *

Bill McGowan William Aloysius McGowan (January 18, 1896 – December 9, 1954) was an American umpire in Major League Baseball who worked in the American League from 1925 to 1954. McGowan founded the second umpire school in the United States. He was inducted ...

(1896–1954), American baseball umpire * Brandon McGowan (born 1983), American football player * Brian McGowan (disambiguation) several people including: :*

Brian McGowan (businessman) Brian Dennis McGowan (born 1945) is the co-founder of Williams Holdings, one of the United Kingdom's largest conglomerates. Career Educated at Isleworth Grammar School, Brian McGowan initially trained at a firm of accountants in London.

(born 1945), co-founder of Williams Holdings :*

Brian McGowan (footballer) Brian McGowan (born 1 January 1938) is a former Australian rules footballer who played for South Melbourne in the Victorian Football League (VFL). McGowan, who hailed from New South Wales, spent his time at South Melbourne roving beside Bob Sk ...

(born 1938), Australian rules footballer :* Brian McGowan (politician) (1935–1994), member of the New South Wales Legislative Assembly *

Cathy McGowan (politician) Catherine McGowan AO (born 29 November 1953) is a former Australian politician who was the independent MP for the rural Victorian seat of Indi from the 2013 federal election, when she defeated Liberal MP Sophie Mirabella, until her retireme ...

(born 1953), Australian former politician *

Cathy McGowan (presenter) Cathy McGowan (born 1943) is a British broadcaster and journalist, best known as presenter of the 1960s pop music television show ''Ready Steady Go!'' ''Ready Steady Go!'' ''Ready Steady Go!'' (RSG) was first broadcast in August 1963, coincidi ...

(born 1943), British broadcaster and journalist *

Charles M. McGowan Charles M. McGowan (November 13, 1923 – May 26, 2013) was an American businessman and politician. Born in Boston, Massachusetts, McGowan served in the United States Army during World War II. He received his bachelor's and master's degrees f ...

(1923–2013), American businessman and politician * Daniel G. McGowan (born 1974), American

environmental activist The environmental movement (sometimes referred to as the ecology movement) is a social movement that aims to protect the natural world from harmful environmental practices in order to create sustainable living. In its recognition of humanity a ...

prosecuted for

domestic terrorism Domestic terrorism or homegrown terrorism is a form of terrorism in which victims "within a country are targeted by a perpetrator with the same citizenship" as the victims.Gary M. Jackson, ''Predicting Malicious Behavior: Tools and Techniques ...

Donald W. McGowan Donald Wilson McGowan (August 30, 1899 – September 24, 1967) was a United States Army Major General who served as commander of the 50th Armored Division and Chief of the National Guard Bureau. Early life McGowan was born on August 30, 18 ...

(1899–1967), U.S. Army Major General *

Dustin McGowan Dustin Michael McGowan (born March 24, 1982) is an American former professional baseball pitcher. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Toronto Blue Jays, Philadelphia Phillies, and Miami Marlins. Professional career Toronto Blue Jays ...

(born 1982), North American baseball player *

Dylan McGowan Dylan John McGowan (born 6 August 1991) is an Australian professional footballer who plays as a defender for club Hamilton Academical. McGowan was born in Adelaide, Australia, where he played youth football for Para Hills Knights before mov ...

(born 1991), Australian soccer player *

Ed McGowin Ed McGowin (born 1938) is an American painter and sculptor based in New York City. Throughout his career, McGowin has produced works in a wide variety of media that have been installed and exhibited in galleries, museums and public spaces. He ha ...

(born 1938), American visual artist *

Gavin McGowan Gavin Gregory McGowan (born 16 January 1976) is an English retired professional Association football, footballer who played as a Defender (association football), defender. McGowan featured for Arsenal F.C., Arsenal in the Premier League and for ...

(born 1976), English footballer * Gerald S. McGowan (born 1946), United States Ambassador to Portugal, 1998–2001 *

J. P. McGowan John Paterson McGowan (February 24, 1880 – March 26, 1952) was a pioneering Hollywood actor and director and occasionally a screenwriter and producer. McGowan remains the only Australian to have been made a life member of the Screen Directors ...

(1880–1952), Australian-American actor, screenwriter, and director *

James McGowen James Sinclair Taylor McGowen (16 August 1855 – 7 April 1922) was an Australian politician. He served as premier of New South Wales from 1910 to 1913, the first member of the Australian Labor Party (ALP) to hold the position, and was a key f ...

(1855–1922), Premier of New South Wales 1910–1913 * Jayden McGowan, American football player *

Jewel McGowan Jewel McGowan (1921-1962) is best known as a dancer of Lindy Hop, a form of swing dance, in the 1940s and 1950s. She also danced in other, non-swing films, and with modern jazz dance pioneer Jack Cole. She is known among dance aficionados as the fr ...

(1921–1962), American dancer *

Joe McGowan Joe McGowan (7 January 1944, Mullaghmore, Co. Sligo, Ireland) is an Irish historian, folklorist, and author specialising in the history and heritage of Ireland. He is based in Sligo Sligo ( ; , meaning 'abounding in shells') is a coastal ...

(born 1944), Irish historian *

John McGowan (disambiguation) John McGowan may refer to: *John McGowan (Medal of Honor) (1831–?), American Civil War sailor and Medal of Honor recipient * John McGowan (naval officer) (1843–1915), American Civil War veteran and US Navy rear admiral * John McGowan (playwrig ...

, several people, including :*

Jack McGowan (playwright) John McGowan, also known by his nickname Jack McGowan, (January 12, 1894, Muskego, Wisconsin – May 28, 1977, New York City) was an American playwright, librettist, screenwriter, director and producer. His 1927 Broadway play ''Excess Baggage'' wa ...

(1894–1977), Broadway writer, performer and producer :*

John McGowan (footballer) John McGowan (born 17 April 1952) is a Scottish retired amateur footballer who played in the Scottish League The Scottish Football League (SFL) is a defunct league featuring professional and semi-professional football clubs mostly from Scotl ...

, Scottish footballer :*

Jack McGowan (golfer) John W. "Jack" McGowan (December 18, 1930 – February 15, 2001) was an American professional golfer. McGowan was born in Concord, New Hampshire. He turned professional in 1954 and joined the PGA Tour in 1961. He played on the PGA Tour through ...

(1930–2001), American professional golfer :*

John McGowan (Medal of Honor) John McGowan (born 1831, date of death unknown) was a Union Navy sailor in the American Civil War and a recipient of the U.S. military's highest decoration, the Medal of Honor, for his actions at the Battle of Forts Jackson and St. Philip. Biogra ...

(1831–?), American Civil War sailor and Medal of Honor recipient :*

John McGowan (Ontario politician) John McGowan (November 5, 1845 – October 20, 1922) was an Ontario businessman, farmer and political figure. He represented Wellington North in the Legislative Assembly of Ontario from 1874 to 1879 and Wellington Centre in the House of Co ...

(1845–1922), Ontario MPP and member of the Canadian House of Commons :*

John McGowan (professor) John McGowan (1953-- ) is the John W. and Anna H. Hanes Distinguished Professor of English and Comparative Literature at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, North Carolina, Chapel Hill.McGowa ...

(born 1953), academic at the University of North Carolina, author, editor :*

John Paterson McGowan (1880–1952), Hollywood actor and director :*

John Reid McGowan John Reid "Gentleman Jack" McGowan (4 October 1872 – 18 July 1912) was an Australian boxing champion. During his long career in the ring he fought over 110 battles, and was the first fighter to win three Australian titles at different weights, ...

(1872–1912), Australian boxing champion *

Jonas H. McGowan Jonas Hartzell McGowan (April 2, 1837 – July 5, 1909) was a politician from the U.S. state of Michigan. McGowan was born in Smith Township, Ohio (then part of Columbiana County, now Mahoning County). He was the eighth of ten children of Samue ...

(1837–1909), US Representative from Michigan *

Kathleen McGowan Kathleen McGowan (born March 22, 1963) is an American author.Carol Memmott,Is this woman the living 'Code'?, ''USA Today'', July 18, 2006. Born Kathleen Harkey-Smith, her first book was ''Tragic Kingdom: Inside Michael Eisner’s Disney''. As Kath ...

(born 1963), American novelist *

Keith McGowan Keith McGowan OAM (9 March 1943 – 22 December 2013) was an Australian radio presenter. He was born in Melbourne, Australia and died there, aged 70 years. Radio career McGowan got his first job in radio in May 1957, when he started as an off ...

(1943–2013), Australian radio presenter * Kevin McGowan (born 1991), American baseball player *

Kyric McGowan Kyric McGowan (born November 1, 1999) is an American professional football wide receiver for the Montreal Alouettes of the Canadian Football League (CFL). He played college football at Northwestern and Georgia Tech and was signed by the Washingt ...

(born 1999), American football player * LaQuan McGowan (born 1993), American football player *

Margaret M. McGowan Margaret Mary McGowan CBE (21 December 1931 – 16 March 2022) was a British dance historian and historian of early modern France. Her work was mainly focused on the late Renaissance and the '' fin-de-siècle'' period at the end of the nineteent ...

(1931–2022), scholar *

Mark McGowan (disambiguation) Mark McGowan (born 1967) is an Australian ex-politician. Mark McGowan is also the name of: * Mark McGowan (Gaelic footballer) (born 1988), Donegal player * Mark McGowan (performance artist) Mark McGowan (born 9 June 1964) is a British stree ...

, several people :*

Mark McGowan Mark McGowan (born 13 July 1967) is an Australian former politician and naval officer who served as the 30th premier of Western Australia from 2017 until his retirement in 2023. He was the leader of the Western Australian branch of the Austr ...

(born 1967), Australian politician and Premier of Western Australia. :*

Mark McGowan (Gaelic footballer) Mark McGowan (born 31 May 1988) is an Irish former Gaelic footballer who played for St Eunan's and, at all levels, the Donegal county team. Known for his defensive play, he could also play further forward in attack and was considered tailor-m ...

(born 1988), Donegal player :*

Mark McGowan (performance artist) Mark McGowan (born 9 June 1964) is a British street artist, performance artist, film maker and public protester who has gone by the artist name Chunky Mark and more recently The Artist Taxi Driver. By profession, McGowan is a London taxi driv ...

(born 1964), British protester *

Martin McGowan (disambiguation) Martin McGowan may refer to: * Martin McGowan (footballer) (born 1962), Scottish footballer * Martin McGowan (Irish politician) (died 1958), Irish politician and teacher * Martin J. McGowan Jr. Martin James McGowan Jr. (October 28, 1920 – ...

, several people, including :*

Martin McGowan (footballer) Martin McGowan (born 11 August 1962) is a Scottish former footballer who played for Dumbarton, Clydebank, Stranraer Stranraer ( , in Scotland also ; ), also known as The Toon or The Cleyhole, is a town in Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland, ...

(born 1962), Scottish footballer :*

Martin McGowan (Irish politician) Martin Bernard McGowan (7 November 1890 – 14 June 1958) was an Irish politician and teacher. He was born in Aghamore, Ballyshannon, County Leitrim, to parents James McGowan, national school principal, and Margaret Jane McGowan (née Gallagher ...

(died 1958), Irish politician and teacher :*

Martin J. McGowan, Jr. Martin James McGowan Jr. (October 28, 1920 – August 13, 2009) was an American politician and newspaper editor. Early life and education Born in Appleton, Minnesota, McGowan went to the University of Notre Dame from 1938 to 1941 and then ...

(1920–2009), American politician and newspaper editor *

Ned McGowan (lawyer) Edward McGowan (March 12, 1813 – December 8, 1893) was an American lawyer, Pennsylvania assemblyman, Judge of the California Court of Quarter Sessions, poet, Fraser Canyon gold seeker, adventurer, assistant sergeant-at-arms in the United S ...

(1812–1892), North American Gold rush pioneer *

Pat McGowan Patrick Ray McGowan (born November 27, 1954) is an American professional golf instructor and former PGA Tour player. Early life and amateur career McGowan was born in Grand Forks, North Dakota. He attended Brigham Young University. He played ...

(born 1954), American golfer * Patrick K. McGowan, American politician *

P. J. McGowan P. J. McGowan (born 1951/52) is an Irish Gaelic football manager and administrator. He succeeded Brian McEniff as Donegal county football team, Donegal manager in 1994 and lasted until 1997, thus preceding Declan Bonner's first spell in charge. H ...

(born 1950s), Irish Gaelic football manager and administrator * Richard McGowan (1933–2007), American explorer, mountaineer, and entrepreneur *

Robert McGowan (disambiguation) Robert McGowan may refer to: * Robert F. McGowan (1882–1955), American film director and producer * Robert A. McGowan Robert Anthony McGowan (May 22, 1901 – June 20, 1955) was an American screenwriter and film director. Biography Born in D ...

, several people, including :*

Robert A. McGowan Robert Anthony McGowan (May 22, 1901 – June 20, 1955) was an American screenwriter and film director. Biography Born in Denver, McGowan is best known as a junior director for the ''Our Gang'' short subjects film series from 1926 to 1930, and ...

(1901–1955), American screenwriter and director :*

Robert F. McGowan Robert Francis McGowan (July 11, 1882 – January 27, 1955) was an American film director and producer, best known as the senior director of the ''Our Gang'' short subjects film series from 1922 until 1933. Career Before moving to Los Angeles, ...

(1882–1955), American film director and producer :* Robert Barrington-Ward Robert McGowan Barrington-Ward (1891–1948), journalist :*

Robert McGowan Coventry Robert McGowan Coventry or Robert McGown Coventry (1855–1914) was a Scottish painter born in Glasgow. Biography Coventry studied at the Glasgow School of Art under Robert Greenlees and in Paris. Although he traveled much to the continent and ...

(1855–1914), Scottish painter :*

Robert McGowan Dickie Robert McGowan Dickie (c. 1784 – January 14, 1854) was a judge and political figure in Nova Scotia. He represented Amherst township from 1836 to 1843 and Cumberland County from 1843 to 1851 in the Nova Scotia House of Assembly. His surname a ...

(c. 1784 – 1854), Nova Scotia legislator :*

Robert McGowan Littlejohn Robert McGowan Littlejohn (23 October 1890 – 6 May 1982) was a major general in the United States Army who graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York, in 1912. He served with the Pancho Villa Expedition and ...

(1890–1982), American major general *

Rose McGowan Rósa Arianna McGowan (born September 5, 1973) is an American actress and activist. After her film debut in a brief role in the comedy ''Encino Man'' (1992), she achieved recognition for her performance in the dark comedy ''The Doom Generation' ...

(born 1973), American actress *

Ross McGowan Ross Ian Thomas McGowan (born 23 April 1982) is an English professional golfer. He has won twice on the European Tour, the 2009 Madrid Masters and the 2020 Italian Open. Early life and amateur career McGowan was born in Basildon, Essex, and ...

(born 1982), English golfer *

Ryan McGowan Ryan James McGowan (born 15 August 1989) is an Australian footballer who plays as a defender for club Livingston. He has previously played for Para Hills Knights, Heart of Midlothian, Shandong Luneng Taishan, Dundee United, Henan Jianye, ...

(born 1989), Australian soccer player * Samuel McGowan (admiral) (1870–1934), admiral in the United States Navy * Samuel McGowan (general) (1819–1897), Confederate general during the American Civil War *

Samuel Henry McGowan Samuel Henry McGowan (c. 1844 – 30 May 1921) was an Australian businessman involved in gold mining ventures in Bendigo, Victoria. History McGowan grew up in Ireland and emigrated to Australia, settling in Bendigo around 1870. He was involved ...

(c. 1844 – 1921), gold mining entrepreneur in Bendigo, Victoria, Australia *

Steve McGowan (disambiguation) Steve McGowan is a rugby league player. Steve McGowan may also refer to: * Stephen McGowan Stephen McGowan is the former chief financial officer (CFO) of Sun Microsystems. He retired from this position in June 2006. McGowan attended Northeaste ...

, several people, including :*

Stephen McGowan Stephen McGowan is the former chief financial officer (CFO) of Sun Microsystems. He retired from this position in June 2006. McGowan attended Northeastern University where he earned a B.S. in finance, followed by an MBA from Loyola University Ch ...

, chief financial officer of Sun Microsystems :*

Stephen McGowan (footballer) Stephen McGowan (born 24 September 1984) is a Scottish footballer who plays as a striker for junior side Neilston. Career McGowan was a product of Dundee United's youth development programme and made his only appearance in the final game of the ...

(born 1984) Scottish (soccer) footballer :*

Stephen McGowan (kidnap victim) Stephen McGowan is the former chief financial officer (CFO) of Sun Microsystems. He retired from this position in June 2006. McGowan attended Northeastern University where he earned a B.S. in finance, followed by an MBA from Loyola University Ch ...

, South African and British citizen, kidnapped in Mali :*

Steve McGowan Steve McGowan is a former professional rugby league footballer who played in the 1980s and 1990s. He played at club level for Bradford Northern, North Sydney and Wakefield Trinity, as a . Playing career Bradford Northern McGowan played in Br ...

, English rugby league player *

Taj McGowan Taj McGowan (born December 30, 1996) is an American former professional football running back. He played college football for the UCF Knights, rushing for 470 yards and eight touchdowns his senior season. Professional career McGowan appeared in ...

(born 1997), American football player *

Tom McGowan Thomas McGowan (born July 26, 1959) is an American actor. He first became known for his stage career both on and off Broadway. In 1991, he was nominated for the Tony Award for Best Actor in a Play and the Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Actor i ...

(born 1959), American actor *

Thomas F. McGowan Thomas F. McGowan (August 11, 1925 – July 23, 1997) was an American attorney, politician, and jurist from New York who served as a member of the New York State Senate from 1966 to 1974. He was later a justice of the New York Supreme Court from ...

(1925–1997), New York politician and judge *

Zach McGowan Zach McGowan is an American film, television and voice actor. He is known for his roles in television series '' Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.'' as Anton Ivanov / The Superior, '' Shameless'', '' Black Sails'', and '' The 100''. Other highlights include ...

(born 1980), actor, producer, voice-over artist MacGowan *

Alice MacGowan Alice L. MacGowan (December 10, 1858 – March 10, 1947) was an American writer. She and her sister Grace MacGowan Cooke wrote more than 30 novels, about a hundred short stories, and some poetry. Alice produced several best sellers, including '' ...

(1858–1947), American writer *

Shane MacGowan Shane Patrick Lysaght MacGowan (25 December 195730 November 2023) was a British-born Irish singer-songwriter and musician, best known as the lead vocalist and primary lyricist of Celtic punk band the Pogues. He won acclaim for his lyrics, whic ...

(1957–2023), Irish musician *

Foster MacGowan Voorhees Foster McGowan Voorhees (November 5, 1856 – June 14, 1927) was an American Republican Party (United States), Republican Party politician, who served as the 30th governor of New Jersey from 1899 to 1902. Biography Voorhees represented Union Co ...

(1856–1927), American politician, governor of New Jersey Gowan *

Hunter Gowan John Hunter Gowan II (c. 1727 – c. 28 May 1824) commonly known simply as "Hunter Gowan" was an Irish loyalist and leader of a yeomanry corps known as the "Black Mob", which was accused of committing atrocities against Catholic civilians before ...

John Hunter Gowan II (c. 1727 – 1824), Irish Protestant politician and militiaman *

Lawrence Gowan Lawrence Henry Gowan (born 22 November 1956) is a Scottish people, Scottish born Canadians, Canadian singer and keyboardist. Gowan is a solo artist and has also been vocalist and keyboardist of the band Styx (band), Styx since May 1999. His mus ...

(born 1956), Canadian musician who used the stage name Gowan *

Ogle Robert Gowan Ogle Robert Gowan (July 13, 1803 – August 21, 1876) was a farmer, Orangeman, journalist and political figure in Upper Canada and Canada West. He was born in County Wexford, Ireland in 1803, the son of Hunter Gowan, an Orangeman and small ...

(1803–1876), Canadian-Irish politician, son of Hunter Gowan *

Peter Gowan Peter Gowan (15 January 1946, Glasgow – 12 June 2009) was a professor of international relations at London Metropolitan University, activist, published author and public speaker. He was a member of the editorial committee of ''New Left Re ...

(1946–2009), UK socialist academic

Other uses

* USS ''McGowan'' (DD-678), a US Navy destroyer

References

{{surname, McGowan Anglicised Irish-language surnames Surnames of Scottish origin Patronymic surnames

Meaning

Scottish origins

Irish origins

Notable people

Other uses

See also

References