The surname Gow is a sept of the Clan Macpherson, a Highland Scottish clan. Clan Macpherson is itself a member of the confederation of Clan Chattan. Within the clan, the surname Smith is considered synonymous with Gow, owing to the family's progenitor having either the surname Smith or the occupation of blacksmith. In Scottish Gaelic, they are known as Sliochd an Gobh Cruim, meaning "the race of the crooked smith."
Origins and the Battle of the North Inch (1396)
The origin of the Gow sept is closely tied to the Battle of the North Inch, a trial by combat fought in Perth, Scotland, in 1396 before King Robert III. On one side was the Clan Chattan confederation; on the other, the Clan Cameron. Each side selected thirty warriors. When one of the Chattan men fell ill before the battle, a local man from Perth—named either Henry Wynd or Henry Smith, a smith or armourer by trade—volunteered to take his place on the condition that he be paid a fee if he survived. Henry was known as Gow Crom (Scottish Gaelic for "Crooked Smith").
Only one man of Clan Cameron and eleven men of Clan Chattan survived the battle, including Henry. According to historian John Scott Keltie, Henry was the only survivor on the Chattan side who was not wounded, and his skill as a swordsman contributed greatly to the victory. After the battle, Henry Smith was invited north and adopted into Clan Chattan, becoming the progenitor of the family known in Gaelic as Sliochd an Gobh Cruim ("the race of the crooked smith").
Historian Charles Fraser-Mackintosh recorded that Henry had twelve followers who, to keep in his favour, learned to make and use swords. They spread across the country and over time took the surname of Mackintosh, who was their chief. The Gows took the protection of Mackintosh (chief of Clan Chattan) in 1399. However, the modern publication Scots Kith & Kin (2014) states that the Gows were a sept of Clan Macpherson, who are also part of Clan Chattan.
Initial Residence
Henry Smith settled in Strath Avon in Banffshire (now within the council area of Moray). According to tradition, Henry set out from Perth with a horse-load of his effects and declared he would not take up residence until his load fell, which happened in Strath Avon, where he accordingly settled.
Later Historical Records
- Thomas Gow is recorded in 1589 in a bond signed at Dunkeld between Mackintosh and MacDonald of Keppoch.
- James Gow is recorded as a tenant under Mackintosh in 1635 in Badenoch.
- William Gow and Ewen Gow are noted in Crathiecoy and Laggan, Badenoch, in 1679.
- During the Jacobite rising of 1745, an Alexander Gow of Ruthven, Badenoch, served in the Jacobite army.
- Niel Gow (1727–1807), the celebrated Scottish fiddler and composer, may have been of the Clan Chattan.
Etymology
The name Gow derives from the Scottish Gaelic gobha, meaning "smith" or "blacksmith." This occupational origin reflects the role of its bearers as metalworkers and armourers in Highland clan society.
Sept Relationship
The Clans, Septs, and Regiments of the Scottish Highlands lists Gow and MacGowan as septs of Clan Macpherson, noting: "Gow in Gaelic signifies Smith. The Gows of Clan Chattan are said to be descendants of Henry of the Wynd, the bandy-legged smith of Perth, who fought at the celebrated battle of the North Inch of Perth. This branch of the Clan Chattan has long been known as Sliochd a' Ghobha Chrom (the race of the bandy-legged smith)."
