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Ewan

Ewan
(m) This is the preferred modern spelling in
Scotland of a name which also occurs as Owen, Euan,
Ewen, Euen and Ewhen. The Gaelic Eoghann is the
source of these forms. In early Latin documents Eoghann
was equated with Eugenius (Eugene), ‘well-born,’ and
this was traditionally regarded as the meaning of the name. In
some parts of Scotland Hugh was erroneously used as a substitute
for Eoghann. The real etymology of the Gaelic name is obscure;
all that can be said is that Eoghann occurs in ancient Celtic
history and legend and that it is ultimately responsible for such
surnames as Macewan, Macewen, Macewing, etc. In former times Ewen
was the usual spelling of the Christian name. It was especially
associated with the Camerons and Macphersons. Eugene is steadily
used in modern Scotland.
Return
To Scottish Christian Names
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