Surname Pow - Meaning and Origin
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Pow: What does the surname Pow mean?
The last name Pow is of Scottish origin although it also appears in Chinese culture. In Scottish context, it evolved from the term "pol" or "pou", which refers to a slow-moving body of water, a pool, or a pond. Thus, it was likely given to those dwelling near such a water body. Meanwhile, in a Chinese context, Pow, or more commonly spelled as Pao or Bao, derives from a term meaning "precious" or "treasure." An individual's family name communicates their ancestral roots in Chinese society. Overall, the meaning of the surname Pow can differ significantly based on its cultural and geographical origins.
Order DNA origin analysisPow: Where does the name Pow come from?
The Pow surname is most frequently found today in Scotland, particularly in the southern and eastern regions. This is likely due to its strong history in the area – records of early Pow families show a prominent presence in these parts of Scotland going back to the 12th century, with the surname likely originating in the Borders area of England, around the year 1100.
The surname is also commonly found throughout England and Wales, with significant numbers recorded in London, Cheshire, Wiltshire and Shropshire.
The Pow surname is also present in North America, particularly in the United States. This is likely due to the many Scots-Irish protestants who began migrating to the U.S in the 1700s, including some Pow families.
In more recent years, there has been a noticeable presence of the Pow surname in Australia, Canada and New Zealand, with many likely descendants of those who migrated from the UK to the Commonwealth countries in the 19th and 20th centuries.
Overall, the Pow surname is relatively uncommon, with an estimated global population of between 12,000 and 15,000 individuals – however, with its history of strong presence in Scotland and the UK, the surname is still well known and prominent in these areas.
Variations of the surname Pow
The surname “Pow” is a variation of the Welsh surname “ap Owain”. Its spelling has changed over time and it can be found in various forms, such as Powell, Power, Powers, Paw and Pawl. It is thought to have derived from the Welsh personal name “Owein”, meaning “born of Owain”. This was a popular name amongst nobility in medieval Wales, and eventually became an inherited surname.
The most likely origin of the surname is from the ancient kingdom of Powys, which was located in mid-Wales. It is said that in the 12th century, a powerful warlord named Owain Gododdin united the Clwyd valley with Powys and assumed the title “Lord of Powys”. The surname “Pow” is thought to have either derived from a place of residence near the kingdom of Powys, or from Owain’s own name.
The variants, spellings and surnames of “Pow” are numerous and varied. “Power” and “Powers” are mainly found amongst families of Irish, English and Scottish descent, and “Powell” is more common amongst families of English or Welsh descent. In addition, “Paw” and “Pawl” are both variants of the surname that are usually found amongst families of Welsh descent.
The surname “Pow” is a relatively uncommon one, and its variants can be found throughout the British Isles. It has its roots in medieval Wales, and is a reminder of both a place and a family. Although it has evolved over time, its origin can still be traced to Owain Gododdin and the ancient kingdom of Powys.
Famous people with the name Pow
- Charles Pow, Canadian BMX racer
- Poh Su Ann, Malaysian badminton player
- Yeoh Choo Kheng, Malaysian medical doctor
- Jack Pow, British actor
- Lindsay Pow, Scottish singer-songwriter
- Colin Pow, Scottish army officer and politician
- Richard Pow, Canadian film and television producer
- Ashley Pow, Australian actor
- Jules Pow, British television presenter
- James Pow, English composer and poet