The surname Gow is a sept of the Clan Macpherson, a Highland Scottish clan. The Clan Macpherson are in turn a member of the confederation of the Clan Chattan . Within the clan the surname Smith is considered synonymous with that of Gow and this is due to the family's progenitor being either of the surname Smith or of having been of the ...

With every clan requiring the skills of a blacksmith, or more accurately, an armourer, the names Gow and MacGowan grew in many areas. The Highland family of Gows which rose to most prominence are believed to have grown with the MacPhersons, themselves part of the confederation of Clan Chattan.

View the Gow family crest/coat of arms and history for the Scottish Origin. Check out the last name history for the name Gow. Where did Gow come from?

Traditionally, the Gows are associated with the Mackintoshs and MacPhersons Clan Chattan, and are said to be descendants of a smith of Perth who aided them at the 'trial by combat' on the North Inch in 1396, therafter returning with them to Badenoch. Others have a distinct association with Clan Donald.

With every clan requiring the skills of a blacksmith, or more precisely, an armourer, the names Gow and MacGowan spread throughout the country. The most prominent Highland family of Gows is thought to have grown up with the MacPhersons, who …

Traditionally, the Gows are associated with the Mackintoshs and MacPhersons Clan Chattan, and are said to be descendants of a smith of Perth who aided them at the 'trial by combat' on the North Inch in 1396, thereafter returning with them to Badenoch. Others have a distinct association with Clan Donald.

Several ancient families are recorded, notably in Stirlingshire and Dumfriesshire, but the main one appears to have been closely associated with the Clan Macpherson. Neil Gow (1727-1807) and his son Nathaniel (1766-1831), both born in Inver, near Dunkeld, Perthshire, were pre-eminent among composers and players of fiddle music.

Clan Chief: None, armigerous clan. Gow is the same as MacGowan. Gow is the occupational name meaning Smith from the gaelic ‘gabha’ and MacGowan just means ‘son of Smith’. Gow is also considered a sept of Clan MacPherson.

Portrait of famous 18th century fiddler Niel Gow by Sir Henry Raeburn. When he was born in Strathbran in Ross & Cromarty, Gow was destined for a life of weaving the tartan, but his passion for playing the fiddle was unstoppable. With the support of both Stewart of Grandtully and the Duke of Atholl, he became a professional player.

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