Surname Handrow - Meaning and Origin
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Handrow: What does the surname Handrow mean?
The last name Handrow is derived from the German word ‘hander’, which means ‘hand’. It is a variant spelling of the common surname Handschuh, which also translates to ‘hand’. The name is found in Germany as well as other areas of Europe where German settlers immigrated.
The most likely explanation of the name’s origin is that it was adopted due to a physical characteristic of its original bearer, the most probable being a long, slender hand. This could be seen as important and impressive in certain trades, such as a blacksmith or carpenter, and therefore was seen as a sign of good fortune or worthiness. Large hands were seen as powerful and capable, so having smaller hands could still be a source of pride.
Another, less likely explanation suggests that the name is derived from a location in Germany, such as Handrow in Brandenburg, Germany. This would mean that someone was either originally from that area, or moved there and adopted the name.
Whatever the original meaning, most people today would agree that the name Handrow stands for a person of intelligence, skill, and grace. It is a unique name with a long history in German tradition, and can be found across the globe.
Order DNA origin analysisHandrow: Where does the name Handrow come from?
The last name Handrow has a wide scope across the United States and Europe. The highest concentration of Handrow is found in the United States, with the North Central and New England states having the most significant numbers. The most likely ancestral origins of the name come from the German and Scandinavia areas.
Today, Handrow families are identified in various U.S. states such as Washington, Maryland, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Michigan. California, Texas, and Florida also have Handrow living in their respective states. In Europe, Handrow is found in the United Kingdom (especially in Scotland), Ireland, France, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Northern Germany. However, the prevalence of the name is still relatively small.
The Handrow name appears in genealogy records as far back 1635 in Salem, Massachusetts and has since grown throughout the U.S. and beyond. The exact origin of the name is not known, but scholars agree that many Germanic, high German, and Nordic/Scandinavian families adopted it during the 17th and 18th centuries.
Although the Handrow family is relatively small but widespread, its name reflects that of a people who have endured and persevered for centuries. Though far flung, the name still carries the same familial ties of strong family values and admirable traits associated with their ancestry.
Variations of the surname Handrow
The surname Handrow is an English surname of Olde English origins. The variant spellings recorded in the English records include: Handroe, Handrowe, Handrowey, Handrewe, Handreau, Handreauw and Handrauwe. The surnames share common origins and are likely derived from an ancient name for a person who lived near a han-drewe, which was a meadow or other place where pigs were penned.
The Handrow surname is also found in some French records as Handrowe, Handrau and Handraw. The French versions are likely derived from the same origin but through a different cultural tradition.
In the American records the surname has become Handrow, Handru, Handro, Handrowe and Handruwe. These variant spellings are apparently brought about by the Angelicanized pronuciations which anglicised many Olde English names when they arrived in the colonies.
In various records across the English-speaking world the surname can be found in many other spellings, such as Handrow, Handro, Handroe, Handraw, Handrowey, Handrewe, Handrauw, and Handruwe. It is likely that most of these spellings are derived from the original Olde English ancestors but some are likely mutated versions of the earlier types.
The Handrow surname is also found in many other variants such as Hanley, Handley, Handloff, Handlough, Handlow, Handlom and Handlowe. These surnames all share a common origin and are likely mutated versions of the same ancestral name.
Overall, the surname Handrow has over a dozen variants, spellings and surnames of the same name, derived from the Olde English word for "place where pigs were penned", making it a popular surname with a long history.
Famous people with the name Handrow
- Bill Handrow: an American television actor, director and writer whose career spans over 30 years.
- Sam Handrow: a former professional American football player who played four seasons in the USFL for the Birmingham Stallions.
- Chris Handrow: a former Major League Baseball player who pitched for the Philadelphia Phillies.
- Jake Handrow: a radio producer and performer based in Los Angeles.
- Will Handrow: an American artist known for his modern sculpture and figurative painting.
- Marcy Handrow: an actress who has appeared in several TV shows such as, “The Big Bang Theory” and “Bones.”
- Arthur Handrow: an English actor who has starred in several hit shows including “Holby City” and “Eastenders.”
- David Handrow: an American politician who served as mayor of Chicago from 1979-1983.
- Sarah Handrow: an Australian actress who currently stars on the soap opera, “Neighbours.”
- Jess Handrow: an actress known for roles in independent films such as, “The Vision” and “Sparks.”