Surname Plowe - Meaning and Origin

Plowe: What does the surname Plowe mean?

The surname Plowe is likely derived from the Old English word "pfla" or Middle English word "plouh," both of which mean plow. This name may suggest an occupational origin, indicating that the original bearers of the name could have been plowmen or farmers. Their role would have been vital in agricultural societies, as they are responsible for preparing the fields for sowing crops. It's also possible that the name could be locational, associated with a place known for farming or where a significant event occurred involving a plow. Like many surnames, its spelling may have evolved or changed over time due to differences in regional dialects and terminology.

Plowe: Where does the name Plowe come from?

Plowe is a surname that is believed to have originated in the United Kingdom. The most concentrated geographic distribution of Plowes today is in the United States, followed by the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia.

In the United States, the most common states where Plowes live are California, Texas, Florida, Ohio, and Illinois; within those states, the most popular counties are Orange, Harris, Montgomery, Franklin, and Shelby respectively. Furthermore, the city of Waco in Texas is currently the most popular location with regards to the Plowe surname population.

Plowes also have a presence in Canada, with the most popular provinces being Ontario, Alberta, British Columbia, and Quebec. While the majority of Plowes in Canada are located in these provinces, another significant population can be found in Nova Scotia.

In the United Kingdom, Plowes are mainly located in and around the London area, with a smaller population in other parts of southern England.

Overall, the Plowe surname is still present within many different countries today, and has retained a strong presence in the places mentioned above.

Variations of the surname Plowe

The surname Plowe has multiple variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. This surname derives from the old English personal name ‘Plough’, which meant ‘one who plows’ or ‘a plowman’.

Variants for the surname Plowe include: Plow, Plough, Plows, Plowes, Ploughe, and Plowman.

Spellings of this surname include: Ploe, Plo, Ploeh, Ploh, and Ploey.

Other surnames of the same origin include: Plowright, Plou, Ploughman, and Plouman.

Numerous variations in spelling of the same name have occurred in records over the centuries, possibly caused by improper record keeping, variability of dialect, or intentional alteration for various reasons. For this reason, variations of the surname Plowe are very common.

It is thought that Plowe was a topographic name for someone who lived near a plow or the soil prepared for plowing as well. Additionally, the ‘Plowe’ surname could also have originated from a location, such as Plow, in Shropshire, England.

The distribution of this surname is worldwide in modern times, however, the Plowe name is most common in the United Kingdom.

In summary, the surname Plowe has many variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. It is likely that this surname is of Anglo-Saxon or Norman origin, and its distribution is mainly throughout the United Kingdom.

Famous people with the name Plowe

• Ian Plowe: Professional football player in the Canadian Football League
• John Plowe: American artist and award-winning painter
• Mark Plowe: Retired American ice hockey player and current assistant coach
• Sean Plowe: Canadian musician and member of the experimental band Alphabot
• Stephen Plowe: American professor of medicine and epidemiology
• Tony Plowe: Native American artist and sculptor
• William Plowe: British poet and writer
• W. H. Plowe: American mystery and suspense writer best known for modern noir fiction

Other surnames

PlowPlowman