Surname Caw - Meaning and Origin

Caw: What does the surname Caw mean?

The surname Caw is believed to have originated from the Old Norse personal name Kári. It is a patronymic surname that derives from the first name of a father or male ancestor, in this case Kári.

The surname Caw is widely distributed throughout England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales, but is most commonly found in Aberdeenshire, Scotland. Records show that the name was first established in Aberdeenshire and spread to the surrounding areas over time. It is believed that the Caw family originated as a sept of the Clan Mackay and that they migrated to Scotland from Scandinavia.

The name Caw is believed to have a variety of possible spellings, with variations such as: Ca, Cawe, Caa, Cawes, and Caa. These spelling changes are likely due to regional dialects, repeating scribes, and the gradual evolution of languages.

The Caw surname is linked to an ancient kin group in the Scottish highlands, who were likely warriors and proud of their heritage. Familial traditions may also have been passed down through the generations, with the Caw family taking pride in their long-standing lineage.

Ultimately, the surname Caw is an interesting testament to the beginnings of the Caw family in Scotland. It reflects centuries of rich history and ties to a proud clan that remain today.

Caw: Where does the name Caw come from?

The surname Caw isa relatively rare surname. It is most commonly found in Scotland and Northern Ireland.

In Scotland, the name Caw is most common in the counties of Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire, where it has been recorded since ancient times. The earliest recorded reference to the name dates back to 1219, when one “John de Caw” is recorded in a charter from the diocese of Aberdeen. This area of Scotland was a major site of settlement for people of Scandinavian descent, and the name may have been used by families from Denmark or other Scandinavian nations.

In Northern Ireland, the surname Caw has been in existence for a longer period of time. It was first found in the county of Antrim in 1590 and appears to be derived from the Irish phrase “Mac thorchidhe Ua Caomhainn”, which translates as “son of Thorchidh of the Caw family”.

Today, the surname Caw can still be found in both Scotland and Northern Ireland, although its sphere of influence is quite limited due to its rarity. In Scotland, most people with the surname Caw are likely to be found in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire. In Northern Ireland, it may be seen in the counties of Antrim, Down, and Armagh.

Overall, the surname Caw is not an especially common surname, but its geographic origins can still be traced. It is largely confined to Scotland and Northern Ireland, in particular Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire, and the counties of Antrim, Down, and Armagh in Northern Ireland.

Variations of the surname Caw

The surname Caw is an ancient Irish and Scottish surname. It has its root in the Old Irish ‘Mac Cathmhaoil’ which means ‘son of Cathmhaoil’ or ‘son of the battle chief’. It is often associated with the Clan MacDhomhnuill which is a branch of the Clan Donald.

Variants and spellings of the surname Caw include MacCaw, Caws, Caus, MacCaus, MacCawe, and MacCabe. The similarity of the last three names with the Irish ‘Mac Cathmhaoil’ is quite noticeable.

In Ireland, the surnames MacCaw and Caw were mostly found in counties Mayo, Offaly and Galway. In Scotland, the surnames were more predominant in Dumfriesshire, Galloway and the Isle of Islay.

Some Irish and Scottish variants of the surname Caw include:

• MacCawley (anglicized from Mac Cathmartaig)

• MacCawell

• CowES

• Cawl

• McCole

• McCall

• Cowall

• MacCahill

• Kool

• C is for MacCaul

• MacCawdry

• McCree

• McCreery

• MacCurley

• MacCurrie

• McCurdy

• McCorkle

• MacCrowley

• Kaul

• McCallum

• MacArthur

The variants, spellings and other surnames of the same origin derived from ‘Mac Cathmhaoil’ all represent a shared heritage and proud past.

Famous people with the name Caw

• Mick Caw: Musician, guitarist, composer and record producer.
• Jimmy Caw: vocalist, rapper, record producer and songwriter.
• Dave Caw: Comedian, actor, writer, and producer.
• Jake Caw: Footballer who plays as a defender for English teams.
• Brianna Caw: Professional dancer and choreographer.
• Jazmine Caw: Actress best known for her role in the Fox series ‘Empire’.
• Ashely Caw: Singer and songwriter from Brooklyn.
• Steven Caw: Guitarist who has recorded with various artists including Elvis Presley and Roy Orbison.
• Alastair Caw: Award-winning film composer.
• Stephen Caw: British actor who appeared in ‘The Crown’, ‘Broadchurch’, and ‘Sherlock’.
• Neill Caw: British-born actor who has appeared on stage, film, television and radio.
• Wayne Caw: Singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, producer and arranger.
• Michael Caw: British motoring journalist and author.
• Fiona Caw: Actress who has appeared in ‘Coronation Street’ and ‘EastEnders’.
• Duncan Caw: Scottish actor, singer and director.

Other surnames

CawardineCawdrayCawdreyCawdryCawellCawhornCawleyCawoodCawserCawsonCawstenCawstonCawtheraCawtherayCawtherleyCawthornCawthorneCawthorsCawthraCawthrawCawthrayCawthrow