Surname Trow - Meaning and Origin
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Trow: What does the surname Trow mean?
The last name Trow is of Anglo-Saxon and British origin. The name is derived from old Welsh and Middle English words meaning “a craftsman,” “a builder,” “a worker” or “a path.” This surname is of occupational origin and was used to denote someone who was a skilled craftsman and builder.
In the Middle Ages, this profession would have been used in the construction of bridge and mills, as well as churches and chapels. Those who were craftsmen would likely have used specific tools and materials to carve and shape stone, wood and other building materials. The surname Trow is likely to have been given to one who was knowledgeable in the use of these tools and materials.
The surname Trow is found mainly in southern England in areas such as Hampshire and Wiltshire. It is also quite common in South Wales and some parts of Scotland. The name seems to have been adopted by families who moved to these areas in the medieval period and is still quite popular in many of these same regions.
The surname has seen some variations over the years such as “Troue,” “Truw,” and “Tiew" but the original meaning is still the same.
Overall, the surname Trow is a unique British surname of Anglo-Saxon and Welsh origin that likely conveyed the occupation and skill of a craftsman or a builder in ancient times. In some cases, it may be derived from topographical descriptions of areas or “trows” of land.
Order DNA origin analysisTrow: Where does the name Trow come from?
The last name Trow is most commonly found today in the United Kingdom, particularly in the counties of Gloucestershire and Somerset. In fact, its ultimate origin appears to lie in what is today the south-west England counties of Devon and Hampshire. This family name first began to appear in historical records during the late 14th century; during this time, bearers of the name were mostly concentrated in the Devon area. It is likely that the name was occupational in origin; during this time, Trows would have been people who worked in textile manufacture in the form of weaving torches or weaving heads.
Today, Trows remain most strongly associated with the south-west England counties, but can also be found throughout the UK. In the 19th and early 20th centuries, members of the Trow family moved to other parts of the country, particularly London and Manchester. This explains why Trow is not only found in the south-west of England, but also in other places in the country such as Lancashire and Merseyside, and in Wales.
Due to the popularity of this surname, there are also Trow families across the world. For example, bearers of the name can be found in the United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.
The surname Trow is a relatively uncommon one today, but for those who carry it, it is a link to the past; it remains steeped in centuries of history and is a reminder of the roots of the Trow family in the West Country of England.
Variations of the surname Trow
The Trow surname is believed to have developed from two different sources. The first source is the English language and the second is a Germanic element. The English spelling of Trow is derived from the Old English word ‘Trog’, meaning ‘a hollow’ and is a possible nickname for someone who lived near a hollow. In terms of other spelling variations, this surname can also be found as Trowa, Trowse, Trowes, Troues, Trou, Troue, Troues, Trouw, Trail, Trayle, Treau, Treaux, Treowe, Treu, Treue, Treuen, Tru, Trues, Truu, Truues, and Truw.
In terms of Germanic origination, variations of the Trow surname include Trowa, Trower,Trowser, Trowser, Trowso, Trowsoe, Trowsoh, Trowe, Trowee, Trowees, Trowes, Trowose,Trowser, Trowsh, and Trowe. It could have been used as a locational name to describe someone from a place called Trowbridge, which is in Norfolk, England.
Another origin of the Trow surname is from the Old German word ‘trauen’, meaning ‘gentle’ or ‘trusting’ and could have been used as a nickname to describe someone who was kind and trustworthy. Variations of this version of the Trow surname may include Tru, Truh, Trus, Trust, Truste, Trustu, and Trusty.
The Trow surname is quite adaptable and is spelt in many different ways in the present day, making it quite difficult to trace back to its roots. Nonetheless, from the above, it is quite clear that the various spellings, variants and surnames share a common origin.
Famous people with the name Trow
- Brooke Trow: American sports reporter and anchor, who co-hosts 590 The Fan's The Morning After radio show
- Edward William Trow: British civil servant and colonial cataloguing expert, remembered for his work in Yemen
- Henry Trow: English actor best known for his stage performances
- James Trow: Canadian professional hockey player, who played for the Montreal Canadiens from 1965 to 1969
- John Trow: English surveyor and property developer who pioneered the development of terraced housing in London
- John Trow Jr.: Son of John Trow which continued his father's business
- Mark Trow: British actor best known for his appearances on early British television
- Myron Trow: American lawyer and attorney representing the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People
- Peter Trow: Actor best known for his voice work for the BBC
- Richard Trow: American inventor and businessman who founded the Trowbridge Manufacturing Company in 1871