Surname Barlow - Meaning and Origin

Tracing the Barlow Bloodline: A Riveting Expedition into My Ancestral Past via iGENEA DNA Test

The iGENEA DNA test has been an enlightening journey into my family history, unearthing the rich cultural roots of my surname, Barlow. From its origin in the barley hills of Lancashire, England, to its prominence in local governance, arts, and literature, the Barlow name holds a compelling legacy interwoven deeply into the historical tapestry of Britain. The test also revealed a riveting Viking heritage, which paints a more intricate picture of my ancestry.

G. Barlow

Barlow: What does the surname Barlow mean?

The surname Barlow is of Anglo-Saxon origin and is a geographical or locational surname given to individuals who lived in one of the places called Barlow in England. The name Barlow is derived from the old English words "bara" which means a boar and "hlaw" which means a hill. So, the surname can be interpreted to mean "hill where boars are found." Barlow might also refer to a "bare hill," referring to a cleared or bald hill, drawn from the words "baer" meaning bare or clear, and "hlaw." This surname first surfaced in the form of de Barlow in the County of Lancaster in North West England, around the 13th century. Like many surnames that were formed during the Middle Ages in England, the name refers to the place where the original bearer lived or held land.

Barlow: Where does the name Barlow come from?

The last name Barlow is of Anglo-Saxon origin and is derived from the Old English words 'bare' meaning 'boar' and 'hlaw' meaning 'hill or mound'. The name was typically a location-based surname, given to people who lived near a hill that resembled a boar. It's strongly related to places called Barlow in Lancashire and Derbyshire, England.

Today, the surname Barlow is most common in England, especially in the regions of the North West, Midlands, Yorkshire, and Lincolnshire. It is also common in other English-speaking countries like the United States, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand. Due to historical emigration trends, the name is prevalent in areas of the United States such as Utah, due to early settlers and the influence of followers of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church). It's important to note that the concentration and distribution of the surname can vary within these regions and countries.

Variations of the surname Barlow

The surname Barlow has a few known variants such as Barloe, Barlowe, Barlo, and Berlow. Many of these different spellings and variants are due to regional accents, and clerical errors, as individuals transposing letters, adding or removing the letter ‘e’ at the end, or converting 'w' into 'u' or 'o'.

When oral traditions played a significant role in everyday life, people often had their names recorded based on how it was pronounced. Since the spelling standards did not fully emerge until the late Middle Ages, the spelling of a name could significantly differ in various documents even during an individual’s lifetime. Phonetic variations of Barlow include, but are not limited to, Barly, Borlow, and Burlow.

Barlow is believed to have originated in the North West of England, specifically in Lancashire and Derbyshire. The name means "bare hill" in Old English, referring to a bleak hill.

There are a few known surnames related by location and shared origins but not direct variants, like Bardsley, which also comes from a place name in Lancashire. Another related surname is Barefoot, which refers to someone who lived on a bare or barren hill, similar to the meaning behind Barlow.

Famous people with the name Barlow

• Gary Barlow: An English singer, songwriter, and producer and the lead vocalist of the pop group Take That.
• Lou Barlow: An American musician and songwriter who is a member of the alternative rock bands Dinosaur Jr. and Sebadoh.
• Aaron Barlow: An American author and English professor who has written extensively on the influence of technology on American culture.
• John Barlow: A Canadian politician who served in the House of Commons.
• John Perry Barlow: An American lyricist and internet pioneer who co-founded the Electronic Frontier Foundation.
• Clair Barlow: An English actress known for her role in the TV series, "Waterloo Road".
• Peter Barlow: A mathematician who invented Barlow's Wheel and contributed to the formulation of Barlow's Law.
• William Barlow: An English bishop and scholar in the 16th century.
• Wayne Barlow: An American musical composer, educator, and author.
• Venetia Phair (nee Barlow): The woman who suggested the name for the dwarf planet Pluto. She was the great-niece of British astronomer John Herschel.
• Samuel L. Barlow: A well-known American lawyer in the late 19th century, known for his extensive art collection.
• Ian Barlow: A UK businessman, former senior tax partner at KPMG, and former Chairman of the tax faculty at the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales.

Other surnames

BarloBarloeBarlohBarlowe