Surname Meadow - Meaning and Origin
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Meadow: What does the surname Meadow mean?
The surname Meadow is of English origin and is derived from the topographic name for someone who lived by a meadow or a grassy field. It comes from the Old English word "mædwe," which refers to a meadow. Often, surnames would be given based on a person's location or occupation, hence, the surname Meadow would be used for those living near or working in meadows. This surname is often found in England and other English-speaking countries. In some instances, the surname Meadow could also be a locational name for people from various places called Meadow in England. Surnames serve as crucial links to the past, and the surname Meadow may signify a familial history rooted in rural agricultural settings.
Order DNA origin analysisMeadow: Where does the name Meadow come from?
The surname Meadow is of English origin, derived from Middle English "medwe" which means meadow. It is a topographical surname given to people who lived near a meadow, or it could also be an occupational name for someone who maintained these grassy fields. The surname began appearing in various parts of England and made its way to Scotland and Ireland through time.
Today, this surname is found in numerous countries due to migration but it is still most prevalent in England followed by the United States, based on population density. Areas within the United States where the surname Meadow is common include North Carolina, Alabama, and Kentucky. Please note, despite the geographical prevalence, Meadow is still considered a relatively uncommon surname.
Variations of the surname Meadow
The surname Meadow is of English origin and it is often used to refer to someone who lived by a meadow. The variation in this surname is not largely documented, however, quite a few similar-looking and sounding surnames exist.
Common variants and similar surnames of the name can be found in the forms of Meadows, Medow, Medows, Meadowes, Medowe, Meadowe, Meaddow, Meaddows, Meadough, Meadou, Meddow, and Meddows.
Personal names can also often influence the creation of surnames, so it is possible that there may be variations of Meadow derived from different personal names, such as Medd or Medda. The derivatives from such would be Medd's meadow or Medda's meadow, possibly becoming surnames like Meddsmeadow or Meddameadow, but such variations are not commonly used or recognized.
It's also essential to keep in mind the "phonetic spelling" used by census takers and other officials. Therefore, the name, when pronounced, could be written differently, for example, Meddo or Mado.
Lastly, the surname Meadow could potentially be Anglicized from a similar sounding or meaning surname from another language.
Famous people with the name Meadow
- Danica Patrick Meadows: Former IndyCar Driver
- Brooke Meadows: American television actress
- Brian Meadows: Former MLB outfielder
- Sissy Spacek: American actress
- Susie Meadows: British stage and television actress
- Stephen Meadows: American painter
- Kenneth Meadows: British actor and opera singer
- Rob Meadows: Country singer and songwriter from the UK
- Brandon Meadows: American singer-songwriter
- Tony Meadows: British actor and comedian