Renfrew

Renfrew is a British surname of Scottish origin, derived from the place name Renfrew in the historic county of Renfrewshire, now part of the larger council area of Renfrewshire in Scotland. The surname is classified as a habitation name, indicating that the original bearers of the name likely hailed from or had some connection to the town of Renfrew.

History

The earliest recorded instance of the Renfrew surname dates back to the medieval period, and it is believed that families bearing this name can trace their ancestry to the region of Renfrewshire, particularly the town of Renfrew itself. The name is a testament to the importance of location-based surnames in British history, often used to identify a person's place of origin.

Notable Bearers

Over the centuries, individuals with the surname Renfrew have made their mark in various fields, including but not limited to:

  • Archibald Renfrew: A prominent architect in the 19th century, known for his work on several iconic buildings in Scotland.

  • Eleanor Renfrew: A celebrated artist whose works captured the beauty of the Scottish landscape.

  • Dr. James Renfrew: An esteemed physician and researcher who contributed significantly to the field of medicine.

Variants

Variants of the Renfrew surname may include Renfro, Renfroe, and Renfow, reflecting regional accents and spelling variations over time.

The Renfrew surname remains a symbol of Scottish heritage and pride, with many individuals seeking to preserve their ancestral connections by carrying on the name through generations.

There are approximately 731 people named Renfrew in the UK. That makes it roughly the 9,371st most common surname in Britain. Around 11 in a million people in Britain are named Renfrew.

Origin: Celtic

Region of origin: British Isles

Country of origin: Scotland

Religion of origin: Christian

Language of origin: Gaelic

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Alan
  • Alexander
  • Andrew
  • Christopher
  • David
  • Ian
  • James
  • John
  • Robert
  • Stuart
  • William

Female

  • Alison
  • Elizabeth
  • Fiona
  • Jane
  • Janet
  • Jean
  • Julie
  • Kay
  • Linda
  • Margaret
  • Mary
  • Rachel

Similar and related surnames

Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.

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