NameCensus.

UK surname

Gowen

A variant of the Welsh name Gowyn, likely meaning "of fair complexion" or "white, holy, blessed."

In the 1881 census there were 562 people recorded with the Gowen surname, ranking it #6,164 among surnames in the records. By 2016, the modern count was 697, ranked #7,728, down from #6,164 in 1881.

The strongest historical links point to Ystradyfodwg (incl. Rhigos), Trowbridge and London parishes. In the modern distribution records, the strongest local clusters include Rhondda Cynon Taf, Waveney and Norwich.

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Gowen is 820 in 1911. Compared with 1881, the name has grown by 24.0%.

1881 census count

562

Ranked #6,164

Modern count

697

2016, ranked #7,728

Peak year

1911

820 bearers

Map years

9

1851 to 2016

Key insights

  • Gowen had 562 recorded bearers in 1881, making it the #6,164 surname in that year.
  • The latest modern count shown here is 697 in 2016, ranked #7,728.
  • Within the historical census years, the highest count was 820 in 1911.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Rural Amenity.

Gowen surname distribution map

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

Distribution map

Gowen surname density by area, 1881 census.

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Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

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Gowen 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 425 #5,746
1861 historical 391 #6,549
1881 historical 562 #6,164
1891 historical 680 #5,752
1901 historical 754 #5,918
1911 historical 820 #5,371
1997 modern 741 #6,944
1998 modern 741 #7,172
1999 modern 733 #7,270
2000 modern 738 #7,201
2001 modern 724 #7,169
2002 modern 737 #7,206
2003 modern 711 #7,288
2004 modern 708 #7,330
2005 modern 706 #7,283
2006 modern 715 #7,236
2007 modern 715 #7,308
2008 modern 704 #7,450
2009 modern 719 #7,484
2010 modern 708 #7,718
2011 modern 694 #7,738
2012 modern 678 #7,806
2013 modern 695 #7,763
2014 modern 704 #7,735
2015 modern 691 #7,806
2016 modern 697 #7,728

Geography

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Where Gowens are most common

Historical parish links are strongest around Ystradyfodwg (incl. Rhigos), Trowbridge, London parishes and Hellesdon, St Mary in the Marsh, St Clement, St Martin at Oak, St Mary at Coslany, St Michael at Cos. These are the places where the surname stands out most clearly in the older records.

The modern local-area list points to Rhondda Cynon Taf, Waveney, Norwich and South Gloucestershire. 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 Ystradyfodwg (incl. Rhigos) Glamorganshire
2 Trowbridge Wiltshire
3 London parishes London 3
4 Hellesdon, St Mary in the Marsh, St Clement, St Martin at Oak, St Mary at Coslany, St Michael at Cos Norfolk
5 London parishes London 2

Top modern areas

Rank Area District
1 Rhondda Cynon Taf 017 Rhondda Cynon Taf
2 Waveney 004 Waveney
3 Rhondda Cynon Taf 020 Rhondda Cynon Taf
4 Norwich 006 Norwich
5 South Gloucestershire 007 South Gloucestershire

Forenames

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First names often paired with Gowen

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

Modern profile

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Neighbourhood profile for Gowen

Modern surname records can be compared with neighbourhood classifications. For Gowen, 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 Gowen surname is most associated with neighbourhoods classed as Rural Amenity, within Suburbanites and Peri-Urbanities. This does not mean every Gowen 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

The Greater London Mix

Group

Skilled Trades and Construction Workers

Within London, Gowen is most associated with areas classed as Skilled Trades and Construction Workers, part of The Greater London Mix. 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 scattered, peripheral and often low residential density neighbourhoods house more workers in skilled trades and construction. Few households rent social housing and there are few students. Multiple car ownership is higher than the Supergroup average, perhaps because of poorer public transport connectivity. Incidence of mixed or multiple ethnicity is below the Supergroup average, and the absence of individuals identifying as Pakistani or Other Asian groups is also less pronounced. Flatted accommodation is less dominant than elsewhere in the Supergroup.

Wider London pattern

A Supergroup embodying London's diversity in many respects, apart from low numbers of residents identifying as of Bangladeshi, Indian, Pakistani or Other (non-Chinese) Asian ethnicity. There is lower than average prevalence of families with dependent children, while there are above average occurrences of never-married individuals and single-person households. The age distribution is skewed towards younger, single residents and couples without children, with many individuals identifying as of mixed or multiple ethnicity. Social rented or private rented housing is slightly more prevalent than average, and many residents live in flats. Individuals typically work in professional and associated roles in public administration, education or health rather than in elementary occupations in agriculture, energy, water, construction or manufacturing. Incidence of students is slightly below average. Individuals declaring no religion are more prevalent than average and non-use of English at home is below average.

Healthy neighbourhoods

Access to healthy assets and hazards

Gowen is most concentrated in decile 5 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.

5
Lower access Higher access

Neighbourhood deprivation

Index of Multiple Deprivation

Gowen 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 Gowen 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 Gowen, not the ethnicity of every person with the surname.

Meaning and origin of Gowen

The surname GOWEN has its origins in Wales, dating back to the early medieval period. It is believed to be derived from the Welsh word "gwyn," which means fair or white, possibly referring to someone with light-colored hair or a pale complexion. The name may have also been derived from a place name, such as Gowen or Gowy, which were locations in Wales.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name GOWEN can be found in the Domesday Book of 1086, which was a comprehensive survey of landholdings in England and parts of Wales commissioned by William the Conqueror. While the spelling may have varied slightly, such as Gowenn or Goueyn, this historical record provides evidence of the name's existence during the Norman period.

In the 13th century, a notable figure named Howel GOWEN was recorded as a landowner in the county of Pembrokeshire, Wales. His name appeared in various legal documents and charters from that era, indicating the name's prominence in the region.

During the 16th century, a Welsh poet and chronicler named Wiliam GOWEN (c. 1520 - c. 1580) gained recognition for his works, which documented historical events and preserved Welsh literary traditions. His writings provide valuable insights into the cultural and linguistic landscape of Wales during the Tudor period.

Another prominent individual bearing the GOWEN surname was Sir William GOWEN (1575 - 1638), a Welsh politician and Member of Parliament who served during the reign of King James I. He played a significant role in the governance of Wales and represented the borough of Haverfordwest in the House of Commons.

In the 18th century, a notable figure named Thomas GOWEN (1718 - 1794) emerged as a Welsh Presbyterian minister and author. He wrote extensively on religious topics and his works were widely circulated among the Welsh diaspora, contributing to the preservation of Welsh culture and traditions.

As the GOWEN surname spread from its Welsh roots, it also found its way to other parts of the world, including the British colonies in North America. Records show that individuals with the surname GOWEN were present in various regions, such as Pennsylvania and Virginia, as early as the 17th and 18th centuries.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

1881 census detail

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Gowen families in the 1881 census

These tables use 1881 census entries for people recorded with the Gowen 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. Norfolk leads with 199 Gowens recorded in 1881 and an index of 23.65x.

County Total Index
Norfolk 199 23.65x
Gloucestershire 63 5.87x
Wiltshire 41 8.47x
Middlesex 38 0.69x
Somerset 28 3.18x
Essex 26 2.41x
Suffolk 24 3.60x
Surrey 23 0.86x
Glamorgan 14 1.47x
Yorkshire 13 0.24x
Lincolnshire 12 1.37x
Northamptonshire 11 2.14x
Lancashire 9 0.14x
Derbyshire 7 0.82x
Kent 7 0.37x
Lanarkshire 7 0.40x
Worcestershire 7 0.98x
Warwickshire 6 0.43x
Cumberland 3 0.64x
Hampshire 3 0.27x
Leicestershire 3 0.49x
Stirlingshire 3 1.49x
Devon 2 0.18x
Durham 2 0.12x
Hertfordshire 2 0.53x
Monmouthshire 2 0.51x
Angus 1 0.20x
Cambridgeshire 1 0.29x
Cheshire 1 0.08x
Nottinghamshire 1 0.14x
Oxfordshire 1 0.30x
Royal Navy 1 1.53x

Top districts and towns

Districts give a more local view than counties. Total shows raw records, while frequency and index show local concentration. Great Yarmouth in Norfolk leads with 52 Gowens recorded in 1881 and an index of 74.61x.

Place Total Index
Great Yarmouth 52 74.61x
Trowbridge 28 130.90x
Yate 18 765.96x
Runham 13 773.81x
Stokesby With Herringby 13 2096.77x
Ystradyfodwg 11 13.16x
Hemsby 10 826.45x
Norwich St John Sepulchre 10 183.15x
Norwich St Peter Southgate 10 943.40x
Bristol St Philip Jacob 9 8.91x
Clapham 9 13.16x
Pulham St Mary Magdalen 9 426.54x
Thurne 9 2250.00x
Walthamstow 9 23.15x
Ipswich St Clement 8 47.23x
Mells 8 439.56x
Wainfleet All Sts 8 313.73x
Bathford 7 386.74x
Elm 7 1044.78x
St Pancras London 7 1.59x
Stapenhill 7 54.90x
Westerleigh 7 290.46x
Bethnal Green London 6 2.52x
Chediston 6 882.35x
Cold Higham 6 895.52x
Filby 6 550.46x
Horton 6 869.57x
St Luke London 6 6.84x
Blofield 5 233.64x
Colchester St Giles 5 46.86x
Deptford St Nicholas 5 33.74x
Glasgow 5 1.59x
Leeds 5 1.63x
Little Houghton 5 526.32x
Melksham 5 59.52x
Norwich St Giles 5 185.87x
Rotherhithe 5 7.40x
St Marylebone London 5 1.71x
Witton In Blofield 5 2000.00x
Aston 4 1.05x
Chelsea London 4 2.43x
Dewsbury 4 7.19x
Hemblington 4 909.09x
Horncastle 4 44.30x
Little Somerford 4 563.38x
Manningtree 4 227.27x
Martham 4 194.17x
Old Sodbury 4 298.51x
Pershore St Andrew 4 101.52x
Quedgley 4 444.44x
Reedham 4 248.45x
Sprowston 4 107.82x
Thorpe Next Norwich 4 44.84x
West Ham 4 1.68x
Wymondham 4 46.51x
Beccles 3 27.96x
Bedminster 3 3.62x
Braintree 3 30.93x
Brooke 3 227.27x
Cheetham 3 6.19x
Clifton 3 5.53x
Crostwick 3 967.74x
Dearham 3 48.23x
Gloucester St Catherine 3 99.34x
Knighton 3 87.72x
Liverpool 3 0.76x
Lowestoft 3 9.53x
St Ninians 3 14.99x
Stratton Strawless 3 857.14x
Trowse Cum Newton 3 144.23x
Walcot 3 6.40x
Aldershot 2 5.32x
Beeston St Andrew 2 2857.14x
Berkeley 2 33.50x
Bristol St George 2 4.03x
Holy Trinity 2 1.53x
Horfield 2 18.52x
Norwich St Clement 2 20.51x
Norwich St Julian 2 56.50x
Southwark Christchurch 2 7.80x

Top female names

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

Name Count
Mary 36
Sarah 26
Elizabeth 19
Ann 12
Eliza 11
Emily 10
Emma 10
Jane 10
Ellen 8
Annie 7
Hannah 7
Alice 6
Harriet 6
Maria 6
Caroline 4
Gertrude 4
Rose 4
Anne 3
Edith 3
Florence 3
Martha 3
Phoebe 3
Ariadine 2
Catherine 2
Charlotte 2
Clara 2
Eleanor 2
Lydia 2
Margaret 2
Matilda 2
Susan 2
Anna 1
Beatrice 1
Bessie 1
Beta 1
Betsy 1
Clarissa 1
Dinah 1
Ethel 1
Heshar 1
Hester 1
Jemima 1
Jessie 1
Kate 1
Laura 1
Leonard 1
Lilly 1
Lily 1
Louisa 1
Thurza 1

Top male names

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

Name Count
William 47
George 22
John 20
Robert 17
James 16
Charles 13
Samuel 13
Henry 12
Frank 9
Frederick 8
Alfred 7
Arthur 7
Joseph 6
Thomas 6
Isaac 5
Richard 5
Ernest 4
Josiah 4
Walter 4
Wm. 4
Albert 3
Herbert 3
Benjamin 2
Earnest 2
Fred 2
Peter 2
Phillip 2
Sydney 2
Benjaman 1
Chas. 1
Cornelius 1
Danel 1
Daniel 1
Edgar 1
Edwin 1
Elisha 1
Ernes 1
Frederic 1
Fredrick 1
Harry 1
Horace 1
Howard 1
Jonathan 1
Lawrance 1
Leonzo 1
Lewis 1
Obadiah 1
Philip 1
Ralph 1
Shadrick 1

FAQ

Gowen surname: questions and answers

How common was the Gowen surname in 1881?

In 1881, 562 people were recorded with the Gowen surname. That placed it at #6,164 in the surname rankings for that year.

How common is the Gowen surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 697 in 2016. That gives Gowen a modern rank of #7,728.

What does the Gowen surname mean?

A variant of the Welsh name Gowyn, likely meaning "of fair complexion" or "white, holy, blessed."

What does the Gowen map show?

The map shows local surname concentration for the selected year. Darker areas have a stronger concentration of Gowen 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.