married to:
Rosa Henrietta (?)
married to:
Maria Magdalena van Graan
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There are three possible origins for the Irish surname Cowley. In the first place, the surname Cowley may be of English local origin, being derived from the place name Cowley which is to be found in a number of English counties including Buckingham, Devon, Gloucestershire and Middlesex. The place name Cowley is derived from the Old English terms "cu-leah", meaning "cow pasture". The Cowleys of Ireland, who were listed as one of the Ten Tribes of Kilkenny were of this origin. An early record of the name in England is that of Osbert de Couela recorded as living in Oxfordshire in 1167. One John de Couele is mentioned in the Pipe Rolls of Middleses for the year 1230.
Alternatively, the surname Cowley may be a variant of the name McAulay or MacAuley, also anglicized as Cawley, Cooley, and McCowley. Mac Aulay is an anglicized form of Mac Amhalghaidh and signifies "son of Amhalghaidh" (Auley). There are two main Irish septs of Mac Aulay, each entirely different in origin and location. One is Mac Amhalghaidh, a sept which was at one time of considerable importance, having territories in the west of Co. Westmeath and north of Offaly. The Four Masters described this sept as Chiefs of Calry. They are descended from Niall of the Nine Hostages, their surname being taken from his descendant Auley, sho flourished in the thirteenth century. One hundred years ago, the Chief of the Name was Count Magawley Cerati, son of the Prime Minister of the Empress Maria Louisa. Until that time they preserved a close connection with their homeland in Co. Westmeath. The other sept was called MacAmhlaoibh and is a branch of the Macguires. They originated from Co. Fermanagh and have given their name to the barony of Clanawley. The outstanding figure of the name in Irish history is Catherine MacAyley (1787-1841), foundress of the Order of Mercy.
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BLAZON OF ARMS : Argent, a lion rampant gules, armed
and langued azure, in chief two
dexter handy apaumee of gules.
CREST : A demi-lion rampant gules
MOTTO : Dulce Periculum
TRANSLATION : Danger is sweet
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