Surname Raw - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'R'
Raw: What does the surname Raw mean?
The surname Raw is of English, Scottish, and Northern Irish origin, deriving from the Old English word "raw," which means "roe" – a species of deer. The name was likely bestowed as a nickname upon someone who was fleet of foot, or perhaps given to a person who lived in a place frequented by roe deer. Therefore, the Raw surname is categorized as either a nickname surname, which was based on a personal characteristic, or a topographic surname, derived from a person’s residence or the geography of their dwelling. The spelling of the surname has changed over centuries with versions such as Rae, Ray, Rea, Ree, or Wray also common. This surname has a historical presence in the North of England and in Scotland. While the meaning of the name is connected to nature, variations in its interpretation across different cultures and regions may exist.
Order DNA origin analysisRaw: Where does the name Raw come from?
The surname Raw is of Anglo-Saxon origin and traces its roots back to the era of ancient medieval Britain. It evolved from the Old English word "Ra" which means "Roe" and used as both a given name and surname. Some variants of this surname include Rawe, Rawes, Rawce, and Raws. People started using Raw as a surname around the 7th century.
The name is typically associated with the northern regions of England, such as Yorkshire and Lancashire. It saw a rise in usage during the Middle Ages before dispersing widely around the British Isles due to the migration of families and their members in search of job opportunities.
In present times, the surname remains frequent in the United Kingdom, with a particularly heavy concentration in the northern England. The name also spread to other English-speaking countries like the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand as a result of historic immigration patterns. However, it's not as common in those countries as it is in the UK. Despite geographical dispersion, the surname Raw is still somewhat uncommon globally.
Variations of the surname Raw
The surname Raw has a few spelling variants and possibly related surnames primarily from European origin, particularly from England. Some of the common variants include Rawe, Rawes, Raws, and Rawes. It's important to note that surnames might have evolved over time due to difference in pronunciation, migration or for identification variation.
There are also other surnames that people often confuse with Raw because they sound similar but they are distinct in origin. These include Rowe, Ray, Rae, Rau, and Rohe. In some cases, the surname Raw can be confused with Ra, a surname of ancient Egyptian origin.
Raw might also share the same roots and meanings with other surnames. For instance, in Old English, it could be related to Rae, Rye or Ry, which also suggest a dwelling at a clearing. Additionally, there might also be a connection with the Scottish surname Ross, given the strong historical connections between Scotland and England.
Lastly, it's also worth considering the possibility of Raw being a shortened form or derived from longer English surnames, like Rawlings, Rawlins, or Rawson. However, more comprehensive genealogical research would be needed to confirm these connections.
Famous people with the name Raw
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