The name COWART is rich in America's history. The original name is Normanic in orgin. The first uncovered name has been traced to a John Cowherd in Somersetshire, England in 1518. As names were usually spelled phoneticity derived from their original occupation. As you might guess John was a cattleman. It was not unusal in colonial history to have several surnames within the same family as history unfolded.
A William Coltson was granted a certificate in Rappahannock County, later Richmond, Virginia order book 1686-1692, page 77 that on April 4, 1688 for having imported 36 persons aboard his ship one James Coward. This importation most likely happened before January 12, 1687 for on that date, James Cowart witnessed a deed for Mary Coolidge. [Coward/Cowart Chronicles by Robert J. Robinson.] The decendants resided in Southern Albermarle Sound, Virginia until it became Chowaw Co. NC and then Bertie Co. NC in 1722.
Above information graciously provided by Bob Cowart.
Ancient History of Cowart- Some interesting facts: The first record of the name Cowart was found in Lancashire England, where they were granted land by Duke William of Normandy (their Leige Lord) for their distinguished assistance at the Battle of Hastings 1066AD. Duke William compiled a census of most of England in 1086AD; it became known a century later as the Doomsday Book.
There are concentrated amounts of the Cowart(d) surname recorded in key states: VA, NC, SC, GA, AL, MS. From these states you can find defined migration patterns, and thus locate any of your Cowart lines. It should be noted that you will find Coward and Cowart used liberally throughout public records. Example: James Coward Sr's son, Stephen Coward changed to Cowart by the time he migrated to Texas.
The Civil War played a major part in these surname changes; for you will find that the majority of Coward (Cowarts) fought for the Confederacy. A very good reason to change your name, and disassociate yourself from the South during Reconstruction! You will find the Cowart and Coward surname intermixed within a certain line, and whether it was because of politics, religion, or family infighting, there is a story behind the change. See Cowarts, Jackson, NC for an example. It is always exciting to find a missing link in your past, and to know that the Cowart name has such a rich and honorable past!