Surname Tow - Meaning and Origin
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Tow: What does the surname Tow mean?
The surname Tow is of English origin, derived from the Middle English term "tow(e)" which refers to "rope" or "line." This name was likely used as an occupational surname for individuals that made or sold ropes. It has other possible origins including from place names containing this element, or from a nickname for a tall, thin individual, humorously likened to a rope. Its use as a surname dates back to the Middle Ages, making it one of the older family names in history. As with many surnames, over time different branches of the Tow family may have altered the spelling or pronunciation, leading to variations such as Towe, Towes, and Tau. It is less common as a given name, and found most often as a last name. Although it originates from the United Kingdom, through emigration it can be found in English-speaking countries around the world today.
Order DNA origin analysisTow: Where does the name Tow come from?
The surname Tow is most commonly found today in Great Britain, with the vast majority of occurrences in England. The name is thought to have been derived from the Old English word "tu" which meant a "manor house or dwelling." According to the Office of National Statistics in England, the surname Tow is most common in the counties of Warwickshire and Worcestershire, but there are also concentrations in Gloucestershire, Staffordshire, Hertfordshire, and Cambridgeshire. Other countries that have significant populations of people bearing the surname Tow include Wales, Canada and the United States, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and India.
In England, there is also a village in Bedfordshire recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 that bears the name Tow, which may be indicative of the origin of the surname itself. Records of the Tow surname in England date back to the 12th Century, where it is recorded that one Adam Tow held the manor of ) in the county of Warwickshire. There is also evidence of the name being used in Cheshire in the 13th century.
The Tow surname appears to have had two different historically, according to a thorough examination conducted by the Guild of One~Name Studies. The first, Towe, is believed to have been an English patronymic name and is thought to have been established before the 16th century. The second, Tow, came from Scandinavia as either an occupational name or a surname derived from a place name, and appears to have been established in England during the 17th century. This second version appears to be more common today in Great Britain.
Variations of the surname Tow
The surname Tow has several variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. Some of these variants include Toe, Toes, Tou, Tous, and Toux.
The variant Toe derives from the Scottish surname Towe, which was derived from a nickname given to a person with a large toe or toes. This surname was found in the border regions of Scotland and England, where many people had unique surnames such as this one.
The spelling Tous derives from the French word toux, meaning mitten or glove. It is thought that it was given to someone who was dexterous and able to handle tasks that required skill and precision. This spelling is common in France and other French-speaking countries.
The spelling Tou is believed to have originated in Germany, where it is thought to have meant a particular kind of glove or clothing. However, it is also possible that it has an unknown origin, and was instead a nickname given to someone with some kind of glove-like attribute.
Finally, the spelling Toux, is common in French and German speaking countries. It is thought to have derived from the Gaelic word tou, meaning hand, and was given to someone who was skilled in the use of their hands.
In conclusion, the surname Tow has many variations, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. Some of these variants include Toe, Toes, Tou, Tous, and Toux. Each of these spellings have their own distinct origin story, and all of them are derived from the Gaelic word tou, meaning hand.
Famous people with the name Tow
- Brendan Tow: Australian rules footballer
- Alan Tow: retired American football running back
- Colin Tow: Australian swimmer
- Joey Tow: American ice hockey player
- Rosalie Tow: Australian artist
- Wallace Tow: American jazz saxophonist
- Linda Tow: American Minister
- Charles Tow: American actor
- Rurik Tow: Russian centenarian and gas station worker
- Elspeth Tow: British artist
- Celine Tow: French singer
- Bill Tow: former American football player
- Alan Tow: British soccer player
- Simon Tow: Canadian physiotherapist
- Laura Tow: British painter
- Warren Tow: Australian rules footballer
- John Tow: Australian rules footballer
- Iris Tow: Canadian Olympic archer
- Will Tow: Canadian television producer
- Melissa Tow: American musical artist