LOW
Low
Low is a surname of Old English origin, derived from the word "hlaw," meaning a hill or burial mound. It is a toponymic surname, indicating that the bearers originally hailed from a place named Low or a similar topographical feature.
Origins
The surname Low has ancient roots in England, particularly in regions with hilly or elevated landscapes. It is believed to have originated in areas with prominent hills or burial mounds. The name may have been used to designate a person living near such a feature or one who owned land in that area.
Distribution
The surname Low is relatively common in the United Kingdom, especially in England and Scotland. Over the centuries, bearers of the Low surname have migrated to various parts of the British Isles and beyond, contributing to its widespread distribution.
Notable Individuals
Numerous individuals with the surname Low have made notable contributions in various fields, including academia, literature, politics, and the arts. Some prominent bearers of the Low surname include:
- David Low (1891-1963): An acclaimed New Zealand political cartoonist known for his work in British and Australian publications.
- Andrew Low (1753-1824): A Scottish-born American statesman and businessman who played a significant role in the history of Georgia, USA.
- Sarah Low (b. 1982): A British author and poet known for her works exploring themes of nature and identity.
Variants
The surname Low may have various regional and historical variants, such as Lowe, Lowes, Loe, and others. These variations reflect different dialects, pronunciations, and spelling conventions prevalent in different parts of the British Isles.
Legacy
Today, the surname Low continues to be borne by individuals across the United Kingdom and in regions settled by British expatriates. It serves as a link to the ancestral origins of families and contributes to the diverse tapestry of British surnames.
There are approximately 9,372 people named Low in the UK. That makes it the 1,000th most common surname in Britain. Around 144 in a million people in Britain are named Low.
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
- Ian
- James
- John
- Michael
- Peter
- Robert
- William
Female
- Alison
- Catherine
- Elizabeth
- Emma
- Helen
- Jennifer
- Julie
- Margaret
- Mary
- Sarah
- Susan
Similar and related surnames
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.