Coward Name Origin, Meaning and Family History

Coward Name Meaning: An occupational name for a keeper of cattle. Middle English 'Cowherde' cu 'cow' + hierde' herdsman.

In ancient times the ownership of cattle was a sign of considerable wealth.To show extreme bravery in fighting persistent cattle rustlers was essential.

Discover how your Coward ancestors earned their living and spread across the country. Find out more about your family history by using the Free Search box.

Surname Distribution

Census frequency by county

Name Concentrations Within England and Wales

Coward Surname Statistics


Top Professions for the Coward family

Profession Census Frequency
Scholar 757
Agricultural Labourer 63
Dress Maker 38
Domestic Servant 34
General Servant 31
Farm Labourer 30
Labourer 29
General Labourer 24
Cotton Weaver 24
Annuitant 23
General Servant Domestic 23
Joiner 21
Laundress 18
House Keeper 14
Iron Miner 13
Servant Domestic 12
Tailor 10
Farmers Son 10
Carpenter 9
No Occupation 9
Painter 9
General Domestic Servant 8
Farm Servant Indoor 8
Gardener 8
Clerk 7

Coward Surname Variants Ranking

Rank Surname Match Census Frequency
1 Coward 100% 26,887
2 Caward 83% 305

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The surname Coward is the most popular version of all its varients

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