Cowley Name Origin, Meaning and Family History

Cowley Name Meaning: Habitational from any of the various places called 'Cowley'. Old english Cu 'cow' + leah 'woodalnd clearing'.

The name is of enlgish origin.One of the earliest recorded namebearers was 'William Cowley',aged twenty.He embarked from London on the ship bound for virginia.

Discover how your Cowley 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

Cowley Surname Statistics


Top Professions for the Cowley family

Profession Census Frequency
Agricultural Labourer 161
Female Servant 132
Independent 70
Labourer 70
Farmer 59
Male Servant 56
Shoe Maker 24
Tailor 20
Joiner 17
Weaver 16
Dress Maker 14
Mason 14
Linen Weaver 11
Carpenter 10
Baker 10
Blacksmith 9
Grocer 9
Laundress 9
Sawyer 9
Servant 9
Apprentice 8
Coal Miner 7
Cutler 6
Clerk 6
Pupil 6

Cowley Surname Variants Ranking

Rank Surname Match Census Frequency
1 Cowley 100% 39,991
2 Cawley 83% 12,182
3 Cowly 83% 272

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

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