Gallowey: Surname History and Family Crest

Behind the Gallowey surname stands Galloway, a Scottish name that clerks and families wrote in more than one way.

The family name meaning is “From Galloway”, the same as for Galloway. Before spelling was fixed, Galloway was also written Gallowey. Spellings drifted because names were written down by ear in parish books, tax rolls and passenger lists. Related forms: Gallaway.

Family crest and blazon

Heraldry is personal: arms associated with the Galloway surname were borne by specific families, and sharing the name does not mean sharing the blazon. Names that sound alike, such as Calloway, are easily confused in old records.

Want more than a summary? See the Gallowey family name pack.