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
Scholar 482
Agricultural Labourer 138
House Servant 77
Labourer 60
At Home 51
Farm Labourer 49
Servant 42
Dress Maker 34
Lace Maker 25
Coal Miner 24
Pauper 23
Blacksmith 23
Annuitant 23
Shoe Maker 22
Farmer's Son 22
House Keeper 21
Tailor 19
General Servant 18
Farmer 17
Farm Servant 16
Farmer's Daughter 16
Farmer's Wife 13
Mariner 12
Butcher 12
Carpenter 12

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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