Plowright is an occupational surname based on plowwright, a maker of plows.
Charles Bagge Plowright (1849-1910), British doctor and mycologistDavid Plowright (born 1930), English television executive and producerHilda Plowright (1890-1973), English actressJoan Plowright (born 1929), English actress and David Plowright's sisterJohn Plowright Houfton (1857-1929), British colliery owner and politicianJonathan Plowright (born 1959), British concert pianistLouise Plowright (1956–2016), British actressRosalind Plowright (born 1949), English opera singerWalter Plowright (1923-2010), English veterinary scientist