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Last Name Gow

What is the origin of the last name Gow?

The last name "Gow" has origins in Scotland and England. In Scotland, it is derived from the Gaelic word "gobha", which means "blacksmith". It is a occupational surname given to those who worked as blacksmiths. In England, the name could have originated from the Middle English word "gou" meaning "a cuckoo", or from the Old English word "gae", meaning "a triangular spur". Over time, different families with the surname "Gow" may have originated from different regions and occupations.

origin of the last name Gow

Learn more about the origin of the last name Gow

The meaning and origin of the last name Gow

The surname Gow is of Scottish origin, derived from the Old Gaelic word "gobha" meaning "smith" or "metalworker." The name likely originated as an occupational name for someone who worked as a blacksmith or metalworker. In Scotland, the surname Gow is found primarily in the areas of Perthshire, Angus, and Fife. The name may also be of Gaelic-Irish origin, with the Gaelic word "gabhann" meaning "son of the smith." Variant spellings of the surname include McGow and McGowan. The Gow surname has been documented as far back as the 12th century in various records and historical documents, indicating its long-standing presence in Scottish and Irish culture. Today, individuals with the surname Gow can be found in various parts of the world, particularly in countries with significant Scottish and Irish diasporas.

Geographical distribution of the last name Gow

The last name Gow is primarily found in Scotland, particularly in the regions around Glasgow and Fife. It is also present in other parts of the United Kingdom, such as England and Wales. Outside of the UK, the surname Gow can be found in countries with historical ties to Scotland, including Canada, Australia, and the United States. The distribution of the surname suggests that it may have originated in Scotland and spread to other countries through immigration and migration patterns. Today, individuals with the last name Gow can be found in various regions across the globe, but it remains most prevalent in its ancestral homeland of Scotland. The unique geographical distribution of the surname reflects the historical movements and resettlements of the Gow family over time.

Variants and spellings of the last name Gow

The last name Gow has several variations and spellings, including Gowe, Go, Gough, and Gau. Other variations can also be found, such as Gowe, Go, Gowen, and Gou. Additionally, some less common versions of the name include Gawe, Gu and Goue. These variations may have originated from different regions or dialects, leading to the diverse spellings and pronunciations of the surname. Despite the differences in spelling, all of these variations ultimately trace back to the same Scottish or Irish roots. The last name Gow is an ancient surname with a rich history, and its various spellings reflect the evolution of language and culture over time.

Famous people with the last name Gow

Some famous people with the last name Gow include Scottish golfer Paul Gow, who is known for his victories on the professional golf circuit. Paul Gow had a successful career on the PGA Tour, capturing multiple tournament wins and earning international recognition for his skills on the course. Another notable figure with the last name Gow is Canadian actor and musician Graeme Gow, who has appeared in numerous film and television productions. Graeme Gow's versatile talents have made him a sought-after performer in the entertainment industry, and he continues to impress audiences with his acting and musical abilities. Both Paul Gow and Graeme Gow have made significant contributions to their respective fields and have become well-known figures in the global community.

Genealogical research on the last name Gow

The surname Gow is of Scottish origin, derived from the Gaelic word "gobha," meaning "smith" or "metalworker." The earliest recorded instance of the Gow surname dates back to the 12th century in Angus, Scotland. The Gow family can be traced to various regions of Scotland, including Aberdeenshire, Fife, and Lanarkshire. Over the centuries, the Gow name spread to other parts of the British Isles, as well as to countries like Canada, Australia, and the United States. Notable individuals with the Gow surname include Andrew Gow, the 19th-century Scottish poet, and William Gow, a renowned golfer from Scotland. Today, the Gow surname continues to be found in Scotland and beyond, with individuals proud of their roots and heritage as members of the Gow family.

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