What is the origin of the last name Lowe?

The last name Lowe has its origins in England, deriving from the Middle English word "low" or "lawe," meaning a hill or a mound. It is a locational surname that was often given to individuals who lived near or on a low-lying area or a small hill.

Countries of origin for the last name Lowe

The last name Lowe is of English origin, and its meaning can be traced back to the Old English word “hlaw,” which means “hill” or “low-lying land.” The name is believed to have been originally used to identify someone who lived in a place that was situated on a hill or in a low-lying area.

One possible variant of the last name Lowe is Loe. This variant has the same meaning and shares the same root with the name Lowe. It is worth noting that the use of variant spellings was common in the past, and it can make tracing family history more challenging.

Research suggests that the surname Lowe has been recorded in various forms since the Middle Ages. The first known recorded instance of the name dates back to the 13th century in England. It is important to keep in mind that due to the large span of time and variations of the name, it is difficult to determine an exact origin or specific geographical location associated with the name.

Like many other English surnames, the surname Lowe has migrated to other parts of the world over the centuries due to factors such as emigration and colonial expansion. Consequently, individuals with the last name Lowe can be found in countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and others. The dispersion of the surname Lowe creates opportunities for genealogical exploration and the potential for tracing ancestral roots to various regions.

While extensive research has been conducted on the meaning and historical background of the last name Lowe, there are still areas that remain uncertain. For instance, the specific circumstances that led individuals or families to adopt the surname Lowe are often difficult to ascertain. Additionally, the last name Lowe can be found in combination with different first names, making it challenging to establish specific familial connections based solely on the surname.

In conclusion, the last name Lowe holds a significant place among English surnames, with its origins in the Old English word for “hill” or “low-lying land.” Over the centuries, the name has spread across the globe, allowing for diverse genealogical connections. While much has been uncovered about the history of the surname, there are still gaps remaining, leaving room for further exploration and discovery.

Interesting facts about the last name Lowe

  • The surname Lowe is of English origin.
  • It is derived from the Old English word “hlaw,” which referred to a hill or a burial mound.
  • The name was originally used to denote someone who lived near a hill or a mound.
  • The earliest recorded instance of the surname Lowe dates back to the 12th century in the county of Essex, England.
  • Over time, the spelling variants of the surname have included Low, Lowman, Law, and Lawes.
  • The surname Lowe has been relatively common in England and has spread to other English-speaking countries.
  • Famous individuals with the surname Lowe include Rob Lowe, an American actor, and Nick Lowe, an English singer-songwriter.
  • The surname Lowe is also sometimes used as a given name.
  • In heraldry, the surname Lowe is associated with the motto “Cruce duce, comite fortuna,” which translates to “With the cross as my guide, fortune as my companion.”
  • The surname Lowe can be found in various spellings and variations in different countries, including Scotland, Ireland, and the United States.

Name Rank

#334

There are around 92260 people with the last name Lowe in the US

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