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 594
Agricultural Labourer 159
Labourer 82
House Servant 52
Servant 36
Coal Miner 29
Carter 27
Dress Maker 27
Laundress 26
Wife Of Above 24
Cook 23
House Keeper 23
Lace Maker 22
General Servant 21
Tailor 17
Cotton Weaver 16
Farmer 16
Carpenter 14
Shoe Maker 14
House Maid 14
Dock Labourer 14
Groom 13
Silk Winder 13
Farm Labourer 13
Farmers Wife 13

Cowley Surname Variants Ranking

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

Did you know?

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

Search for the Cowley family