Surname Row - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'R'
Row: What does the surname Row mean?
The surname Row has two main etymological origins. The first one is topographical, originating from Medieval English, where 'Row' denotes a person who lived by a hedgerow or a row of houses. This surname was usually given to someone residing in a line of cottages or a strip of land outlined by hedgerows.
The second origin is linked to the Old Norse or Old English word 'Ra', 'Row', or 'Roe', meaning 'roe deer'. It was used as a nickname and later turned into a surname, implying characteristics like gentleness and speed, attributed to a deer.
In some cases, the surname 'Row' can also be a derivational of the medieval given name 'Roul' or 'Rolf', introduced into Britain by Norman Conquistadors.
Also, it's important to note that surnames could have developed differently in diverse regions, thus obtaining different meanings within distinctive contexts. Furthermore, the spelling of the last name could have varied over time, including forms such as Rowe, Roe, Rew, etc.
All in all, determining the exact meaning of the surname Row requires understanding the geographical, historical, and individual family context.
Order DNA origin analysisRow: Where does the name Row come from?
The last name Row is most commonly found in the United States and Canada today. Deriving from Anglo-Saxon origins, it is often associated with one of three possible locations.
Firstly, the name may have originated in Northeast Scotland, where it was common until the 12th century when it was more prevalent in England. In the 17th century, the name was even more widespread, reaching its peak in North America thanks to the early settlers from England and Scotland.
Secondly, the name may be derived from the region of Rouen in France, which was popular as an origin of the surname during the time when French immigrants came to the United States and Canada. As early as the 16th century, the name Row was established in North America, derived from French references, suggesting a Huguenot origin.
Lastly, the name may have originated in Germany, as a variant of the Jewish name Rau, which was used in the Middle Ages as a surname. With the migration of Jewish people from Europe into America in the 19th century, the name Row became more prominent in the U.S. and Canada.
Overall, the last name Row is still prevalent today, likely originating from a mix of one or more of these possible locations. Despite their different origins, the surname has unified to provide a connected history for families, and to give them a sense of identity.
Variations of the surname Row
The surname Row can be found in various variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. Many families with this surname began to adopt other spellings during the latter half of the Middle Ages (approximately 1350-1450).
The most common variation is Rowe. Variations on this spelling include Rowed, Rowen, Roen, Roan, Roanes, Roenis, Rowan, Rowlands, and Rowlan.
The origin of the surname Row is likely to be found in the Old English word raw, which refers to a grove of trees. Over time, the surname may have become associated with someone who lived by a row of trees.
In Scotland, it is also believed that the surname originates from a place in the border region of the country. The area was known as Rouedale or Rowedale, and the surname could have been taken on by an individual who lived there.
In some cases, the surname Row may have developed as an anglicization of the Gaelic surnames Mac an Bhó, Mac Giolla Bhó, or MacIlduibh. The surnames Roth, Rooney, Rouke and Rooks may also be derived from the Gaelic Mac an Bhó.
Another variant of Row is Roll. This is an Americanized version of the name, which most likely developed as a result of the difficulties of translation between English and German.
Finally, the surname Raw could also be considered as a variant for the surname Row. The Raw spelling is of French origin and could be derived from a place name in Normandy, as it is a common place name in the area. It is also possible that the spelling may have been influenced by the Middle English word ‘raw’, which is derived from Old English and means ‘a row’.
Famous people with the name Row
- William Rowan Hamilton (1805–1865), an Irish mathematician and physicist
- Paul Rowan (born 1967), former NHL right winger
- Robbie Rowan (born 1993), Canadian actor
- Chris Rowan (born 2008), British singer
- Anne Rowan (born 1958), songwriter and composer
- Dan Rowan (1921–1987), comedian
- Heathcliff Huxtable Rowan (born 1975), fictional character on The Cosby Show
- Shawnee Rowan (born 1984), professional water skier
- Ann M. Rowan (born 1956), American judge
- David Michael Rowan (born 1983), British journalist
- Neve Campbell Rowan (born 1973), Canadian actress
- Robin Rowan (born 1944), British actress
- Talmage Charles Rowan (1952–2007), American inventor and entrepreneur
- Barry B. Rowan (born 1950), American lawyer
- Kelly Rowan (born 1965), Canadian actress
- William Evan Rowan Jr. (1880–1962), American sailor
- Nellie May Rowan (1867-1964), American suffragist
- Katina Rowan (born 1981), Australian singer
- Pembroke J. Rowan (1923–2003), American lawyer
- Alfredo Ramos Rowan (1917–2004), Argentinian painter