Barlow

Origin and Meaning

Barlow is an English surname with Old English origins. It is derived from the words "bere," meaning bear, and "hlaw," meaning hill or mound. This suggests that the surname may have originally signified someone who lived near a bear's hill or was associated with bears in some way.

History

The first recorded instance of the Barlow surname dates back to the 11th century in Cheshire, England. The Barlow family was known for its involvement in various historical events and its alliances with influential noble families. Over the centuries, the name spread to different parts of England and beyond, as members of the Barlow family migrated to other countries.

Notable Individuals

  • Sir George Barlow (1762–1846): British colonial administrator in India.

  • Gary Barlow: British singer-songwriter and member of the music group Take That.

  • Joel Barlow (1754–1812): American poet, diplomat, and politician.

Modern Distribution

The surname Barlow remains fairly common in England and can also be found in other English-speaking countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. The name has also been the inspiration for various place names and businesses around the world.

Coat of Arms

The Barlow coat of arms typically features symbols such as bears and hills, reflecting the possible origins of the surname. The design may vary depending on the specific branch of the family.

Famous Barlow Family

The Barlow family has a long and storied history, with various branches making significant contributions to different fields such as politics, music, and literature. Their legacy continues to be celebrated today through the accomplishments of notable individuals bearing the Barlow surname.

In conclusion, the surname Barlow holds a rich history and has made an enduring impact on society through the achievements of its bearers.

There are approximately 25,308 people named Barlow in the UK. That makes it the 319th most common surname in Britain. Around 389 in a million people in Britain are named Barlow.

Origin: English

Region of origin: British Isles

Country of origin: England

Religion of origin: Christian

Language of origin: English

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Andrew
  • Christopher
  • David
  • James
  • John
  • Michael
  • Paul
  • Peter
  • Robert
  • Stephen

Female

  • Elizabeth
  • Emma
  • Helen
  • Janet
  • Joanne
  • Julie
  • Margaret
  • Mary
  • Nicola
  • Patricia
  • Sarah
  • Susan

Similar and related surnames

Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.

BritishSurnames.uk is a Good Stuff website.