Farrow

Farrow is an English surname of occupational origin, deriving from the Middle English word "farwe" or "farrow," meaning a young pig. The surname likely originated as a metonymic occupational name for a swineherd or a pig farmer.

History

The earliest recorded instances of the Farrow surname date back to the medieval period in England. The name was found predominantly in agricultural areas where pig farming was a common occupation. Over time, individuals bearing the surname Farrow spread to various regions across the British Isles.

Notable Individuals

Mia Farrow - An American actress and humanitarian, known for her work in films such as "Rosemary's Baby" and her extensive activism on human rights issues.

Ronan Farrow - An American journalist, lawyer, and former government advisor, recognized for his investigative journalism and contributions to The New Yorker magazine on various socio-political subjects.

Distribution

The Farrow surname is distributed across the United Kingdom, with concentrations in regions traditionally associated with agriculture, such as rural areas in England and Wales. In modern times, individuals bearing the surname Farrow can be found in various professions and locations worldwide.

Variants

Variants of the Farrow surname include Farro, Farow, and Farroh. These variants may have arisen due to dialectical differences or transliterations over time.

References

  • P.H. Reaney, R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames (Oxford University Press, 1991).
  • "Farrow Surname Origin & Last Name Meaning." Ancestry.co.uk.

There are approximately 9,935 people named Farrow in the UK. That makes it the 933rd most common surname in Britain. Around 153 in a million people in Britain are named Farrow.

Surname type: Occupational name

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
  • David
  • James
  • John
  • Mark
  • Michael
  • Paul
  • Peter
  • Robert
  • Stephen

Female

  • Claire
  • Deborah
  • Elizabeth
  • Emma
  • Helen
  • Jacqueline
  • Julie
  • Linda
  • Margaret
  • 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.