Surname Lowe - Meaning and Origin
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Unraveling the Origins and History of My Surname 'Lowe' with iGENEA DNA Analysis
Exploring family roots can be a mystifying experience. Through iGENEA's DNA analysis, I took a plunge into my ancestral past, chasing down the origins of my family name, ‘Lowe’. Discovering its Anglo-Saxon roots and the history encoded in its four letters has redefined my identity.
P. Lowe
read moreLowe: What does the surname Lowe mean?
The surname Lowe is of Anglo-Saxon origin, derived from the Old Norse name "Lagi" which later became "Lowe". It is a topographic name for someone who lived near a small hill or a mound, derived from the Old English term "hlaw", which means a hill or a mound. In some cases, it could also be a nickname for someone who was a humble person or of short stature, deriving from the Middle High German or Middle Dutch term "louwe" or "lowe", which means a lion. Like many other surnames, Lowe could have different origins and meanings in different regions and cultures. Therefore, while it generally refers to someone living near a hill or is a nickname for a humble person, it may have other interpretations based on its root in a particular region.
Order DNA origin analysisLowe: Where does the name Lowe come from?
The surname Lowe is derived from Old English and has its origins in the Anglo-Saxon period of British history. The name is locational and typically attributed to people residing near a hill, mound, or burial ground. The Old English word 'hlāw', means ‘hill’ or ‘tumulus’, is at its root.
Notably, a variant spelling of Lowe can be "Low", but other variants include "Law", "Lowe", and "Lowes". During the early Middle Ages, to distinguish between bearers of the same personal name, surnames came into use. These are related to a range of characteristics like occupation, location, and personal traits.
Even though it has Anglo-Saxon origins, the surname Lowe is widely dispersed around the globe. It's found in numerous countries today, however, it is most common in English-speaking countries. In particular, it is prevalent in the United States, England, Canada, and Australia. According to Forebears, a site dedicated to patronymic research, the surname Lowe is most prevalent in the United States, ranking as the 252nd most common surname in the nation. In the world rank, Lowe is at 826th position with approximately 625,675 bearers.
Variations of the surname Lowe
The surname Lowe has various alternate spellings and forms, reflecting its origin in different regions and languages. These variants include Low, Loew, Löwe, Loewe, Louw, along with compound forms such as Lowes, Lowis, Lown, Lowndes, Lownes and Lowson, particularly featuring in regions such as England, Scotland, Germany, and the Netherlands.
Certain surnames that may share the origin with Lowe include Law, Lowy, and Lowth. Pronunciations can also vary - ranging from the English "Low" to the German "Lo-ve". It's believed to have derived from the Old English 'hlaw', meaning 'hill' or German/Yiddish word "Löwe", meaning 'lion'. The surname could have topographical origins, given to someone who lived near a prominent hill, or could be descriptive, denoting a person's characteristics or profession (like a performer who played the part of a lion in a pageant).
Some surnames like Mclow, Apelow, etc. can also be seen, rooted in different cultural-systems that include the descriptive or familial connection with the 'Lowe'. However, all the variants may not always share the same lineage or origin and may have developed independently across different regions and time periods.
Famous people with the name Lowe
- Rob Lowe: An American actor and producer known for roles in popular television series like "The West Wing" and "Parks and Recreation".
- Chad Lowe: An American actor, brother of Rob Lowe, best known for his role on the TV series, "Life Goes On".
- Sean Lowe: A former contestant on the reality show "The Bachelor", and author.
- Nick Lowe: An English singer-songwriter and musician known for his involvement in the punk rock scene.
- Daisy Lowe: An English fashion model and the daughter of Bush singer Gavin Rossdale.
- Deborah Lowe: An English actress best known for playing Doreen Heavey on "Coronation Street".
- Sheryl Lowe: Jewelry designer and wife of actor Rob Lowe.
- Jessica Lowe: American actress and comedian, known for her role in the film "Blended".
- Daniel Lowe: Professional tennis player from New Zealand.
- Mundell Lowe: An American jazz guitarist and composer.
- Chris Lowe: English musician and part of the musical duo Pet Shop Boys.
- Edward Lowe: An American entrepreneur known for inventing cat litter.
- Andrew Lowe: Irish film producer, known for his work on "The Lobster" and "Room".