My mother's maiden name is Cowden, we unfortunately have lost a lot of information as her father, his brothers, parents and grandparents have all passed on. The farthest back we were able to go was her great grandfather, Alexander O Cowden, who married Grace Everhart. His parents are a John R Cowden and Rosanna (unknown spelling or maiden name)
My cousins have always told me that the name originated from Scotland. It is possible you have any more information that could further assist us?