YARROW
Yarrow
Yarrow is a surname of British origin, believed to have originated from the Old English word "gearwe," meaning "yarrow," a flowering plant known for its medicinal properties and historic use in healing practices. The surname is mainly found in regions across England and Scotland.
Origins and Meaning
The surname Yarrow is thought to have been a topographic name given to someone who either lived near a yarrow plant or possibly worked with or sold yarrow. Alternatively, it could have been an occupational name for someone who cultivated or harvested yarrow plants for their herbal properties.
Distribution and Popularity
The Yarrow surname is relatively uncommon in modern times and is found dispersed across various regions in the United Kingdom. It may have originated as a regional name derived from a place named Yarrow in the Scottish Borders, which is known for its scenic beauty and is also associated with ballads and folklore.
Notable Individuals
Throughout history, individuals bearing the Yarrow surname have made contributions in various fields, although specific notable figures may be limited due to the surname's rarity.
Variants and Derivatives
The Yarrow surname may have evolved into different variants or derivatives over time, influenced by factors such as regional accents, dialects, and historical spelling practices. Some potential variations of the surname include Yarow, Yerrow, and Yarroe.
Conclusion
While the Yarrow surname is not as prevalent as some other British surnames, its historical ties to a medicinal plant and the regions it is associated with offer an intriguing glimpse into the heritage and traditions of the British Isles.
There are approximately 1,417 people named Yarrow in the UK. That makes it roughly the 5,621st most common surname in Britain. Around 22 in a million people in Britain are named Yarrow.
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
- John
- Mark
- Martin
- Michael
- Paul
- Peter
- Richard
- Stephen
- Thomas
Female
- Alison
- Barbara
- Carole
- Caroline
- Catherine
- Emma
- Helen
- Jane
- Janet
- Karen
- Margaret
- Sarah
- Susan