Arthur, William (1857) An Etymological Dictionary of Family and Christian Names. New York: Sheldon, Blakeman. Public Domain.
BRISTOW
As described in historical dictionaries
An Etymological Dictionary of Family and Christian Names (1857)
(origin: Sax. Local) From brihs, pleasant, bright, and stow, the same as stead, a place.
Surname type: Location or geographical feature
Origin: English
Region of origin: British Isles
Country of origin: England
Religion of origin: Christian
Language of origin: English