NameCensus.

UK surname

Cowens

A surname derived from the place name Cowan, originating from Scotland.

In the 1881 census there were 257 people recorded with the Cowens surname, ranking it #10,861 among surnames in the records. By 2016, the modern count was 217, ranked #18,535, down from #10,861 in 1881.

The strongest historical links point to Whitworth, Whitby and Warkworth. In the modern distribution records, the strongest local clusters include Northumberland, Carlisle and Bradford.

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Cowens is 257 in 1881. Compared with 1881, the name has fallen by 15.6%.

1881 census count

257

Ranked #10,861

Modern count

217

2016, ranked #18,535

Peak year

1881

257 bearers

Map years

9

1851 to 2016

Key insights

  • Cowens had 257 recorded bearers in 1881, making it the #10,861 surname in that year.
  • The latest modern count shown here is 217 in 2016, ranked #18,535.
  • Within the historical census years, the highest count was 257 in 1881.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Rural Amenity.

Cowens surname distribution map

The map shows where the Cowens surname is concentrated in each census or modern distribution year. Darker areas mean a stronger local concentration.

Distribution map

Cowens surname density by area, 1881 census.

Loading map
Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

Back to top

Cowens over time

The table below tracks recorded surname counts and rank from the 19th-century census years through the modern adult-register period.

Year Period Count Rank
1851 historical 188 #10,939
1861 historical 198 #12,114
1881 historical 257 #10,861
1891 historical 221 #13,897
1901 historical 153 #17,844
1911 historical 181 #15,911
1997 modern 199 #17,668
1998 modern 186 #18,918
1999 modern 198 #18,343
2000 modern 212 #17,554
2001 modern 196 #18,146
2002 modern 195 #18,590
2003 modern 206 #17,799
2004 modern 204 #17,992
2005 modern 199 #18,198
2006 modern 208 #17,835
2007 modern 210 #17,904
2008 modern 216 #17,758
2009 modern 216 #18,120
2010 modern 223 #18,096
2011 modern 220 #18,096
2012 modern 213 #18,422
2013 modern 227 #17,922
2014 modern 226 #18,088
2015 modern 218 #18,478
2016 modern 217 #18,535

Geography

Back to top

Where Cowens' are most common

Historical parish links are strongest around Whitworth, Whitby, Warkworth, Gateshead and St Mary Islington. These are the places where the surname stands out most clearly in the older records.

The modern local-area list points to Northumberland, Carlisle and Bradford. Treat these as concentration signals, not proof that every family line began there.

Some modern areas include a three-digit suffix, such as Leeds 110. The suffix is a small-area code, so it stays in the table while the prose uses the plain place name.

Top historical parishes

Rank Parish Area
1 Whitworth Durham
2 Whitby Yorkshire, North Riding
3 Warkworth Northumberland
4 Gateshead Durham
5 St Mary Islington London (North Districts)

Top modern areas

Rank Area District
1 Northumberland 003 Northumberland
2 Northumberland 019 Northumberland
3 Northumberland 007 Northumberland
4 Carlisle 002 Carlisle
5 Bradford 059 Bradford

Forenames

Back to top

First names often paired with Cowens

These lists show first names that appear often with the Cowens surname in historical and recent records.

Modern profile

Back to top

Neighbourhood profile for Cowens

Modern surname records can be compared with neighbourhood classifications. For Cowens, this points to the kinds of places where the surname is most concentrated today.

These neighbourhood labels describe areas, not individual people. They are useful because surnames often cluster through family history, migration, housing patterns and local work. A surname can be strongest in one type of neighbourhood even when people with that name live across the country.

The UK classification gives the national picture. The London classification is more specific to the capital, where housing, age profile, tenure and population mix can look quite different from the rest of the UK.

UK neighbourhood type

UK Output Area Classification

Supergroup

Suburbanites and Peri-Urbanities

Group

Rural Amenity

Nationally, the Cowens surname is most associated with neighbourhoods classed as Rural Amenity, within Suburbanites and Peri-Urbanities. This does not mean every Cowens household fits that profile, but it gives a useful signal about where the modern surname distribution is strongest.

Read profile summary

Group profile

This Group comprises older parents or retirees, with no resident dependent children, and with the lowest residential densities in this Supergroup. Predominantly UK-born, residents typically live in detached houses, although others do live in semi-detached and terraced properties. The level of multiple car ownership is the highest in this Supergroup. Most houses are owner occupied although social renting is also present. Many concentrations occur in high amenity rural locations, such as Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Wider pattern

Pervasive throughout the UK, members of this Supergroup typically own (or are buying) their detached, semi-detached or terraced homes. They are also typically educated to A Level/Highers or degree level and work in skilled or professional occupations. Typically born in the UK, some families have children, although the median adult age is above 45 and some property has become under-occupied after children have left home. This Supergroup is pervasive not only in suburban locations, but also in neighbourhoods at or beyond the edge of cities that adjoin rural parts of the country.

London neighbourhood type

London Output Area Classification

Supergroup

Suburban Asian Communities

Group

Settled Semi-Detached Asians

Within London, Cowens is most associated with areas classed as Settled Semi-Detached Asians, part of Suburban Asian Communities. This gives the surname a London-specific profile rather than forcing the capital into the same pattern as the rest of the country.

Read profile summary

Group profile

These residents share Supergroup characteristics of large (non-Chinese) Asian populations but those identifying as Bangladeshi are notably absent. Many residents were born in the UK, while other more recent migrants have African birthplaces. Semi-detached housing, much of it owner occupied, prevails in these suburban residential locations.

Wider London pattern

Many residents of these neighbourhoods are of (non-Chinese) Asian descent, with many identifying as Indian, Pakistani or Bangladeshi. Neighbourhoods are located across large areas of suburban west, north-east and south London. Detached, semi-detached and terraced houses are more prevalent than flats and socially rented housing is uncommon. Few residents live in communal establishments. Many families have dependent children, sometimes in overcrowded accommodation, and few households are ethnically mixed. Marriage rates are above the London average. The even age distribution, relative absence of individuals living alone and frequent incidence of households with children suggests that multi-generation households may be relatively common. Employment is often in skilled trades, elementary, sales and customer service occupations, and roles as process, plant, and machine operatives. Manufacturing and construction are well represented, along with employment in distribution, hotels, and restaurants. Many adults have only level 1, 2, or apprenticeship qualifications. English is not used at home by some residents. Religious affiliation is above average.

Healthy neighbourhoods

Access to healthy assets and hazards

Cowens is most concentrated in decile 7 for access to healthy assets and hazards. This places the surname near the middle of the scale.

Lower deciles point towards weaker access to healthy assets or stronger exposure to local hazards. Higher deciles point towards stronger access and fewer hazards.

7
Lower access Higher access

Neighbourhood deprivation

Index of Multiple Deprivation

Cowens falls in decile 1 for neighbourhood deprivation. This puts the surname towards the more deprived end of the index.

Decile 1 represents the more deprived end of the scale. Decile 10 represents the less deprived end.

1
More deprived Less deprived

Broadband speed

Fixed broadband download speed

The modern neighbourhood pattern for Cowens is most associated with a typical fixed broadband download band of 30-40 mbit/s.

The scale below places that band in context, from slower local download bands through to faster ones.

6
Slower band Faster band

Area snapshot

Ethnic group estimate

Most common ethnic group estimate
White - British

This describes the area pattern most associated with Cowens, not the ethnicity of every person with the surname.

Meaning and origin of Cowens

The surname Cowens is believed to have originated from the Lowlands of Scotland, specifically in the areas around Glasgow and Lanarkshire. It is thought to have derived from the Scottish Gaelic word "cabhain," meaning "hollow" or "hollow place." This suggests that the name may have initially referred to someone who lived near a hollow or depression in the landscape.

Historically, the earliest recorded instances of the name Cowens can be traced back to the late 16th century. One notable example is John Cowens, a merchant and burgess of Glasgow, who was mentioned in records from 1588. Additionally, the name appears in the Canongate Parish Register of Edinburgh, Scotland, in the early 17th century.

In terms of historical references, the Cowens surname is not prominently featured in major historical documents like the Domesday Book. However, it is worth noting that variations of the name, such as Cowan and Cowen, have been found in records from the 13th century onward.

The earliest known person with the surname Cowens was Robert Cowens, who was born in Lanarkshire, Scotland, around 1560. Another notable individual was William Cowens, a Scottish clergyman and theologian born in Aberdeen in 1682. He was known for his work in biblical translation and commentary.

In the 18th century, James Cowens (1720-1789) was a renowned Scottish physician and medical writer. He published several influential works on medical topics, including a treatise on the diseases of children.

Moving into the 19th century, Edward Cowens (1839-1911) was a British engineer and inventor who made significant contributions to the development of steam engines and locomotives. He held several patents for his innovations in the field.

Lastly, in the 20th century, Bertha Cowens (1908-1991) was an American artist and educator known for her abstract expressionist paintings. She taught at various art institutions and had her works featured in numerous exhibitions throughout her career.

Overall, the surname Cowens has a rich history rooted in Scotland, with its earliest origins likely referring to a geographical feature. While not widely documented in major historical records, the name has been carried by notable individuals across various fields over the centuries.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

1881 census detail

Back to top

Cowens families in the 1881 census

These tables use 1881 census entries for people recorded with the Cowens surname. Use the location tables for concentration, then the name and occupation tables for the people behind the surname.

Top counties

Total is the county count. Frequency and index adjust for local population size, so they are better concentration signals. Northumberland leads with 101 Cowens' recorded in 1881 and an index of 27.08x.

County Total Index
Northumberland 101 27.08x
Durham 70 9.39x
Yorkshire 44 1.77x
Lancashire 20 0.67x
Kent 9 1.05x
Middlesex 5 0.20x
Wiltshire 3 1.35x
Hertfordshire 2 1.16x
Lincolnshire 1 0.25x
Midlothian 1 0.30x
Norfolk 1 0.26x

Top districts and towns

Districts give a more local view than counties. Total shows raw records, while frequency and index show local concentration. Bishopwearmouth in Durham leads with 16 Cowens' recorded in 1881 and an index of 24.99x.

Place Total Index
Bishopwearmouth 16 24.99x
Whitby 15 179.21x
Eccleston In Prescot 9 60.28x
Hebron Cockle Park Earsdon 9 2903.23x
Hunwick Helmington 9 502.79x
Longbenton 9 56.96x
Rothbury 8 747.66x
Shincliffe 8 963.86x
Skircoat 8 81.63x
Gateshead 7 12.54x
Great Bolton 7 17.77x
Harwood 7 35000.00x
Norham Mains 7 10000.00x
Barrow 6 60000.00x
Elswick 6 20.15x
Hawsker Cum Stainsacre 6 722.89x
Tonbridge 6 19.45x
Tudhoe 6 92.02x
Haswell 5 93.46x
Sandal Magna 5 136.24x
Westgate 5 21.65x
Ancroft 4 305.34x
Glanton 4 930.23x
Holbeck 4 24.30x
Alnwick 3 46.80x
Benwell 3 73.53x
Duddo 3 1875.00x
Eglingham 3 882.35x
Liverpool 3 1.66x
Normanby In 3 45.18x
Rowde 3 294.12x
Thockrington 3 3000.00x
West Rainton 3 129.87x
Acklington 2 1000.00x
Birtley 2 65.79x
Dartford 2 22.86x
Dunston 2 833.33x
Elvet 2 37.17x
Hampstead London 2 5.12x
Hertford St John 2 77.52x
Ingleby Arncliffe 2 769.23x
Lowick 2 153.85x
Middleton 2 1538.46x
Mount Healey 2 6666.67x
Newfield 2 202.02x
Ryhope 2 38.61x
St Marylebone London 2 1.49x
Sunderland 2 15.19x
Washington 2 63.90x
Westoe 2 4.73x
Byker 1 5.42x
Chorley 1 5.99x
Corsenside 1 172.41x
Coundon 1 33.11x
Crowland 1 39.84x
Embleton 1 125.00x
Eston 1 18.48x
Felton 1 172.41x
Fleetham 1 2000.00x
Long Witton 1 1111.11x
Margate St John Baptist 1 6.39x
Morpeth 1 22.78x
Newbiggin In Morpeth 1 84.03x
North Leith 1 6.44x
Norwich St John Sepulchre 1 40.00x
Ponteland 1 263.16x
Shadwell London 1 14.27x
Swinhoe 1 833.33x
Tanfield 1 11.27x
Woodside 1 1111.11x

Top female names

These are the female first names most often recorded with the Cowens surname in 1881. Names are not merged, so initials, variant spellings and transcription quirks can appear as separate rows.

Name Count
Mary 13
Elizabeth 12
Jane 11
Margaret 11
Isabella 10
Sarah 10
Ann 8
Hannah 8
Martha 6
Alice 4
Ellen 4
Emma 3
Rose 3
Agnes 2
Anne 2
Emily 2
Janet 2
Agness 1
Annie 1
Bill 1
Charlotte 1
Christina 1
Eadeth 1
Elenor 1
Eliza 1
Elizbeth 1
Esther 1
Francis 1
Lane 1
Lucy 1
Margt. 1
Maria 1
May 1
Phillis 1
Rosannah 1
Ruth 1
S.H. 1
Susan 1
Susannah 1
Thomasin 1

Top male names

These are the male first names most often recorded with the Cowens surname in 1881. Names are not merged, so initials, variant spellings and transcription quirks can appear as separate rows.

Name Count
John 21
William 18
George 15
Thomas 12
James 10
Robert 7
Andrew 5
Henry 3
Peter 3
Richard 3
Charles 2
Frederick 2
Ralph 2
Andirson 1
Daniel 1
David 1
Edward 1
Francis 1
Hector 1
J.Dix 1
Jermih 1
Jonathen 1
Joseph 1
Matthew 1
N. 1
Phillip 1
Robt. 1
Samuel 1
Sidney 1
Timothy 1
Wm. 1

FAQ

Cowens surname: questions and answers

How common was the Cowens surname in 1881?

In 1881, 257 people were recorded with the Cowens surname. That placed it at #10,861 in the surname rankings for that year.

How common is the Cowens surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 217 in 2016. That gives Cowens a modern rank of #18,535.

What does the Cowens surname mean?

A surname derived from the place name Cowan, originating from Scotland.

What does the Cowens map show?

The map shows local surname concentration for the selected year. Darker areas have a stronger concentration of Cowens bearers relative to the surrounding population.

What records is this surname page based on?

The historical counts come from census surname records. The modern counts and neighbourhood summaries come from later surname distribution records. Counts are recorded bearers in those records, not a live estimate of everyone with the name today.