HARLOW
Harlow
Harlow is a surname of English origin, derived from a place name in Essex, England. The name "Harlow" can be traced back to the Old English words "hār" meaning "grey" or "hoar" and "hlāw" meaning "hill." This suggests that the name may have originally referred to someone who lived near a grey hill.
The surname Harlow first appeared in written records in the 13th century, particularly in the Essex region where the town of Harlow is located. Over time, people with the surname Harlow spread to other parts of England and beyond, particularly to countries such as the United States, Canada, and Australia.
Notable individuals with the surname Harlow include the English astronomer Raphaël Harlow (1805–1867) known for his work on celestial mechanics, and the American actress Jean Harlow (1911–1937) who was a prominent Hollywood star during the 1930s.
Today, the surname Harlow continues to be found among families with English heritage, reflecting the enduring history and legacy of this ancient name.
There are approximately 2,831 people named Harlow in the UK. That makes it roughly the 3,155th most common surname in Britain. Around 43 in a million people in Britain are named Harlow.
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
- James
- John
- Michael
- Paul
- Peter
- Robert
- Stephen
Female
- Caroline
- Elizabeth
- Emma
- Jennifer
- Lisa
- Mary
- Nicola
- Patricia
- Samantha
- Sarah
- Susan
Similar and related surnames
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.