Surname Mowat - Meaning and Origin

Mowat: What does the surname Mowat mean?

The surname Mowat is of Scottish origin and is most frequently found in the Shetland Islands. It is derived from the Old Norse personal name ‘Modhvætti’, which means "courageous" or "spirited in battle". This name was brought to Scotland by the Norsemen during the Viking Age and quickly integrated into the local culture and language. In the Old Norse components of the name, 'modh' suggests 'mind' or 'spirit', while 'vætti' can be translated as 'battle' or 'fight', thus signifying someone who is mentally spirited for battle. Over time, the name has evolved through various spellings like Mouat, Mowatt, and Mowett, but retains its original meaning. Some notable people with this surname include Canadian author Farley Mowat, U.S navy officer John Mowat and Scottish politician George Mowat-Brown.

Mowat: Where does the name Mowat come from?

The last name Mowat is most common today in Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Canada. This surname has a few distinct origins, with some originating from the French "Mouet" and some from an ancient Scottish Gaelic name.

The majority of people bearing the Mowat surname are found in Scotland, most commonly in the areas surrounding Edinburgh and Glasgow. Mowat is also a popular surname in Northern Ireland; a large concentration can be found in the Belfast area.

In Canada, the Mowat surname is especially widespread in the provinces of Ontario and Quebec; however, it is also quite common throughout the country. The Mowat family has a long and proud history in Canada and is remembered for its many political, military, and literary accomplishments.

The Mowat family is also prominent in the United States; a large number of Mowats are found in Texas, Georgia, and Florida, although many also live in other states. Through the influence of immigration, the Mowat surname has also spread to other parts of the world, including Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa.

No matter where the Mowat family resides today, its proud tradition of excellence remains strong. The Mowat family is often associated with the Scottish clan Campbell of Argyll, which is further testament to their strength and legacy.

Variations of the surname Mowat

The surname Mowat is of Scottish and English origin, and has several variants including: Mouat, Moat, Mowatt, Mowetts, Mowitt, Mowatte, Mowitts, and Moatt.

In Scotland, the surname Mowat is believed to be derived from the lands of Mowat in the parish of Heriot, Midlothian. The placename is believed to be derived from the Old Scots word “mote", which means "meeting place".

In England, it is believed to be a topographical surname derived from "mote or mooth", referring to a man-made mound or earthwork. The Mowat family was first found in Yorkshire, where they held a family seat from very ancient times.

The surname Mowat is common in both Scotland and England. It is recorded in many spellings, including Mouat, Mowat, Mowatt, Mowitt, Mowatte, Mowitts, and Moatt.

Mowat is also anglicized in some cases as Maued in Scotland, and Mawd in England. Other spellings of the Scottish form include Mouatte, Moat, and Moatt. The variant surnames Mauwad, Mawd, and Maud are found in England.

Famous people with the name Mowat

• Farley Mowat: Canadian writer, environmentalist and naturalist.
• Peter Mowat: Canadian-born inventor and technology entrepreneur.
• Margaret Atwood: Canadian author, known for her work The Handmaid’s Tale.
• Wolfram von Richthofen: German field marshal in World War II.
• Thomas Mowat: Scottish soldier in the British Indian Army.
• Ann Mowat: British journalist and author.
• Florence Mowat: Canadian poet, fiction writer and lecturer.
• Jamie Mowat: Canadian actor, known for his roles in films such as Cashback and House at the End of the Street.
• George Mowat: British civil servant and diplomat.
• Sarah Mowat: Scottish author, known for her book Merlin and the Goblins.

Other surnames

Mowatt