Surname Lowes - Meaning and Origin
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Lowes: What does the surname Lowes mean?
The surname Lowes is of English origin, first found in Shropshire where they held a family seat as Lords of the Manor. The name Lowes appears to be locational, likely derived from a geographical term. One possibility is that it is related to a hill or mound, as "low" in old English was used to describe small hills. Another possibility is that it might come from "hlaw" which signifies a hill or a burial mound. Alternatively, it could also be associated with a person who lived near a flame or blaze ("loge" in old English), which later turned into "Lowes". Like many surnames, Lowes could have multiple origins, depending on the lineage and specific location in England of particular families. Hence, it is important to note that the meaning of the name can vary according to its historical and regional contexts. Today, Lowes is a fairly common surname in various parts of the world thanks to the diffusion of English culture and the English language.
Order DNA origin analysisLowes: Where does the name Lowes come from?
The surname Lowes is of British origin and is primarily associated with Northern England, specifically from regions near the Scottish border. It is theorized to have derived from the Old Norse term “laufs”, or the Old English term “lowe”, both meaning leaf. Thus, it could have been used as a topographical name for someone who lived near a prominent leafy tree. Alternatively, it also could be a patronymic name formed from the medieval personal name "Law", a short form of Lawrence.
As of today, the last name Lowes remains common in its country of origin, the United Kingdom, particularly in the North-Eastern counties. It is also found in countries such as the United States, Canada, and Australia, likely due to migration patterns from the United Kingdom. The exact prevalence and distribution may vary, but it is generally more common in English-speaking countries.
Variations of the surname Lowes
The surname Lowes has a few variant spellings as well as related surnames from the same or similar origins. Variants include Lowe, Low, Lows, Loew, Loewe, and Loe. These variations are mostly due to regional pronunciations and translations.
The surname Lowe is derived from old English 'hlaw' which means hill, mound, or burial mound. Thus, it is a topographic name for someone who lived near a prominent hill, or perhaps a barrow. In the Norman times, this surname was often Latinized as de Collibus and then shortened to Collis or Coles.
Surname Lowes could also be linked to Scottish origins, where it is thought to be a variant of the name Lawson, derived from Law, a pet form of the personal name Lawrence, plus the common surname suffix "-son".
Lack of standardization in spelling of names also led to a variety of forms of the same surname. Other variations can include surnames like Lawes, Loe, Loh, Loewen, or even the Dutch equivalent Lauwe. Therefore, these surnames can have similar roots or may be derived from the same topographic origin or personal name.
Famous people with the name Lowes
- Rob Lowe: Emmy-nominated American actor, director, and producer
- Luke Lowe: English footballer
- Nicholas Lowe: English singer-songwriter
- Robyn Lowe: British former model and actress
- Sean Lowe: American television personality
- Scarlett Lowe: Australian singer-songwriter
- Russell Lowe: British former athlete
- David Lowes: Scottish rugby player
- Carly Lowe: American television correspondent
- Sadia Lowe: British illustrator