FARLOW
Farlow
Farlow is an English surname of ancient origin, with roots in various regions of the country. The name is believed to have derived from the Old English personal name "Fearwulf," which combines the elements "fear" meaning journey or travel, and "wulf" meaning wolf, suggesting a person skilled in navigating the wilderness.
History
The Farlow surname is recorded in historical documents dating back to medieval times, with variations in spelling such as "Farelowe" and "Ferlow." The name is linked to families residing in different counties of England, including Worcestershire, Oxfordshire, and Shropshire. In the 19th century, the name became more widely dispersed across the country due to migration and industrialisation.
Notable People
- John Farlow (1804–1866): A renowned botanist and explorer known for his work on tropical plants in the Americas.
- Eleanor Farlow (1892–1975): A social reformer and suffragette who campaigned for women's rights in the early 20th century.
- Alan Farlow: A contemporary musician recognised for his contributions to the British folk music scene.
Modern Distribution
Today, the Farlow surname is found in various parts of the United Kingdom, with concentrations in regions such as the Midlands and the South East of England. The name also has a presence in former British colonies, particularly in the United States and Canada, following emigration patterns from the UK.
Variants
Variants of the Farlow surname include Farlowe, Farlowes, Fearlow, and Farloe. These variations reflect the linguistic changes and regional accents prevalent throughout English history.
References
- Hanks, P. and Hodges, F. A Dictionary of Surnames. Oxford University Press, 1988.
- Reaney, P. H. and Wilson, R. M. A Dictionary of English Surnames. Oxford University Press, 1991.
- Farlow Family History. www.farlowfamily.com. Accessed 2021.
There are approximately 367 people named Farlow in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around six in a million people in Britain are named Farlow.
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
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- Andrew
- Christopher
- David
- Gary
- George
- Mark
- Matthew
- Robert
- Scott
- Stephen
- William
Female
- Alison
- Barbara
- Heather
- Jennifer
- Jill
- Kerrie
- Linda
- Margaret
- Mary
- Melanie
- Michelle
- Patricia
- Susan