Arthur, William (1857) An Etymological Dictionary of Family and Christian Names. New York: Sheldon, Blakeman. Public Domain.
WARDLAW
As described in historical dictionaries
An Etymological Dictionary of Family and Christian Names (1857)
(origin: Local) The parish of Kirkhill, in Moray, Scotland, was formerly called Wardlaws, because the garrison of Lovat were accustomed to keep watch or ward on the law or hill.
Patronymica Britannica (1860)
WARDLAW. An ancient parisli, merged in that of Kirk-hill, co. Inverness.
Lower, Mark A (1860) Patronymica Britannica: a dictionary of the family names of the United Kingdom. London: J.R. Smith. Public Domain.
Surname type: Location or geographical feature
Origin: Celtic
Region of origin: British Isles
Country of origin: Scotland
Religion of origin: Christian
Language of origin: Gaelic