Surname Flaws - Meaning and Origin
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Flaws: What does the surname Flaws mean?
The surname Flaws is of Scottish origin and is an Anglicised form of the Old Gaelic name Mac an Fhlogha, which literally means ‘son of the wolf’. The clan name is found mainly in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland.
The earliest known record of the surname in Scotland was on the 19th of May 1728 when Isabell Flaw married John Malcolm in Easter Ross.
The wolf in Old Gaelic tradition represents strength, courage, loyalty and guardianship. The bearer of this surname would have been proud to possess these qualities and to be strongly respected within their community.
The contemporary surname Flaws may be seen as ironic considering its origin. It has been suggested that the Anglicisation of the original spelling was done by British ex-patriots to hint at the imperfections and faults of the Gaelic people, which the surnames accurately implies.
Today, the surname Flaws predominately remains within Scotland but is slowly spreading further afield with emigration. It is hoped those who bear the surname will strive to uphold the strength of character, courage and loyalty for which it stands.
Order DNA origin analysisFlaws: Where does the name Flaws come from?
The last name Flaws is mainly found in the United Kingdom, particularly in Scotland. While it is not an extremely common surname, it does appear in records there on a fairly regular basis. In England, the name is found in rural parts of the country, particularly in Lancashire, Yorkshire, and Norfolk. There are even a few families in the Midlands and Wales. Records indicate that the Flaws family have been in the United Kingdom since the late 15th century.
In the United States, the name Flaws is not particularly common and can primarily be found in the Northeastern region. It has been suggested that some of the early settlers with this name may have come from England to New England in the 1600s. Although the name is not widely found in Canada, some records and recent immigration suggest that it can also be found there.
If researching the Flaws family name, various genealogy websites and local archives are good places to start.
Variations of the surname Flaws
Flaws is the English alternative spelling of the Anglo-Saxon Flesch or Fleisch, which originated in Germany and could be found in most European countries in the 10th and 15th centuries. The variants for this surname are Flesch, Fleisch and Fleischman. It is also known to have derived two spelling variations of Flesse anf Fless.
In addition to its many variants, Flaws has several known cognates, including Fleschmann, Fleshman, Fletschman, Flesheimer, Flayan, Flexman, Frouman, Frosch, Flescer, Fleischer and Fleishman.
The surname initially referred to someone who lived near a marsh, from the Middle High German word ‘vlesc’,meaning marsh. By the 16th century, the surname was pronounced as ‘flāch’ or ‘flahz’ and was likely adapted to produce the spelling ‘Flaws’.
Today ‘Flaws’ is common in England, Scotland, Ireland and the United States. It is unknown how many people today bear this surname are related to the original carriers of the name. It is believed that the earliest recorded use of 'Flaws' was in south-west England in the late 16th century. Many of its variants can also be found scattered around Scotland, Ireland and the United States.
Famous people with the name Flaws
- Leslie Flaws: Actor
- Paul Flaws: Scientist
- Steve Flaws: Musician
- Trish Flaws: Media Personality
- Ethel Flaws: Philanthropist
- Paul Flaws II: Businessman
- Robert Flaws: Philosopher
- Duncan Flaws: Football Player
- Aaron Flaws: Author
- Emma Flaws: Writer
- Darryl Flaws: Artist
- Glenna Flaws: Architect
- Carl Flaws: Activist
- Julie Flaws: Singer
- Ben Flaws: Comedian
- Matthew Flaws: Farmer
- Rachel Flaws: TV Personality
- Grayson Flaws: Politician
- Sarah Flaws: Model
- Evelyn Flaws: Historian