Last Name Mowry

The last name "Mowry" is of English origin. It is derived from the Old English word "mor," meaning "moor" or "marsh," indicating that the original bearers of the surname lived near or worked on a moorland. Over time, the spelling of the surname might have undergone variations, such as Mory, Mowery, or Mawery.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Mowry

The meaning and origin of the last name Mowry

The surname Mowry is of English origin. It is derived from the Old English word "mor," meaning marsh or fen, and "rae," meaning roe deer. Therefore, it is believed that the name originally referred to someone who lived near a marshy area frequented by roe deer. Over time, the spelling of the name has evolved and variations such as Mory, Mawry, and Mowery have been recorded. The Mowry surname can be traced back to medieval England, where it identifies a family or group of individuals sharing a common ancestry. As people migrated or emigrated, the surname may have spread to different regions, such as the United States, where it is not uncommon to find Mowry descendants today. Similar variations of the name can be found in other English-speaking countries as well. Overall, the Mowry surname symbolizes a connection to nature and a habitat inhabited by roe deer, reflecting the ancestral history of the bearers of this surname.

Geographical distribution of the last name Mowry

The last name Mowry is primarily found in the United States, specifically in the states of Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Rhode Island. It is believed to have originated from the British Isles, particularly England. As with many surnames, geographical distribution has played a role in shaping its spread. Pennsylvania has a significant concentration of Mowry individuals, likely due to historical migration patterns and settlement by early English settlers. Ohio also has a notable presence of the Mowry surname, potentially due to migration from Pennsylvania and other nearby states. In Rhode Island, the Mowry name is found in smaller numbers but still notable, possibly stemming from English or early American settlers in the state. While the Mowry surname is most prominently associated with these three states, it is also found in smaller numbers across other parts of the United States.

Variants and spellings of the last name Mowry

The last name Mowry has a few variations and spellings throughout its history. One variation is Mowrey, which maintains a similar pronunciation to Mowry but includes an additional "e". Another variation is Mourey, which changes the "w" to a "u" and adds an "e". Additionally, the name Maury is another spelling that can be associated with Mowry. While it may be less common, it still represents an alteration of the original surname. These variations may have come about due to different regional dialects, spelling preferences, or simple human error when recording or transcribing names throughout generations. Each spelling variation still retains the core sound and heritage of the Mowry name, making it easier to trace back to its origins. Despite these variations, the shared roots of these spellings ensure that they are all part of a larger Mowry family history.

Famous people with the last name Mowry

One famous family that carries the last name Mowry is the Mowry siblings, Tia and Tamera Mowry. Born on July 6th, 1978, in Gelnhausen, West Germany, the twin sisters gained widespread recognition as actresses. They rose to fame in the 90s for their lead roles in the sitcom "Sister, Sister," where they portrayed identical twin sisters separated at birth, who later reunite. Tia and Tamera continued their successful acting careers individually, starring in various television shows and movies. Besides their acting talents, they have also ventured into modeling, writing, and producing. Tia and Tamera Mowry remain influential figures in the entertainment industry, using their platforms to advocate for positive representation and empowering women. Their combined talent and charisma have made the Mowry name synonymous with success and representation in Hollywood.

Genealogical research on the last name Mowry

The genealogical research on the last name Mowry reveals a rich and diverse history. The Mowry family is believed to have originated in England and migrated to America in the 17th century. The earliest recorded settlers with the name Mowry arrived in Rhode Island, where they played significant roles in the formation and development of the state. The family expanded across various regions of the United States, including Pennsylvania, Ohio, and New York. Over time, the Mowry name branched into different spellings, such as Mowrey and Mowery. Notable figures with the Mowry last name have made their mark in different fields, including politics, religion, and the arts. Genealogical research has helped trace the lineage and connections of Mowry families throughout history, uncovering fascinating stories of migration, accomplishments, and contributions to society.

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