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Last Name Clow

What is the origin of the last name Clow?

The surname Clow has multiple possible origins, although it is most commonly believed to be of Old English origin. It may have been derived from a nickname for someone with pale blonde or fair hair, as "clow" can mean "blond" in some regional dialects of Old English. Another theory suggests that the name could have originated from an occupational surname for a cloth weaver, as "clow" is also an old term for a loom or a piece of woven cloth. However, it's important to note that surnames can change over time and have multiple possible origins, so the exact origin of Clow may vary from family to family.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Clow

The meaning and origin of the last name Clow

The surname Clow is of Old English origin, deriving from the Middle English clowe, which means "narrow pass" or "valley." It may have been originally used as a topographic name for someone who lived near a narrow valley or passage, or it could have been an occupational name for someone who had some connection to such a passage, perhaps a gatekeeper. The surname Clow has variations such as Clough, Clowe, and Close, all of which stem from the same root word. It is most common in England but can also be found in other English-speaking regions due to migration and settlement over centuries.

Geographical distribution of the last name Clow

The surname Clow has its roots primarily in Scotland and England, particularly in the historic regions of Strathclyde and Lothian, where it is believed to have originated among various Scottish clans such as the Clou or Clowe families. The name also appears with some frequency in northern England, notably in counties like Cumbria and Northumberland. As populations migrated, descendants of Clow families spread across the globe, particularly during the 19th and 20th centuries. Today, the highest concentrations of individuals bearing the Clow surname can be found predominantly in Scotland, England, Wales, Northern Ireland, Canada, the United States (particularly in Pennsylvania), Australia, and New Zealand. However, it is present in varying degrees throughout many English-speaking countries and regions due to historical migrations and settlements.

Variants and spellings of the last name Clow

The surname Clow has several variants and spellings, including Clough, Clover, and Close. These variations stem from different interpretations or phonetic adaptations of the original name over time. For instance, Clough is derived from Old Norse 'klaugr' meaning 'claw,' while Close comes from Middle English 'cloys' meaning 'enclosure.' On the other hand, Clover, although not directly related to Clow or Clough, has a similar sound and may have been adopted as an alternative due to its association with the shamrock symbol. In some cases, regional dialects and migration patterns may also have influenced the spelling of this surname.

Famous people with the last name Clow

The Clow family has produced several notable figures across various fields. Notably, Robert L. Clow (1924-2013), an American engineer, was the primary designer of the Apollo Lunar Module Eagle that landed on the Moon during the Apollo 11 mission in 1969, marking one of humanity's greatest achievements. In the realm of literature and comics, Neil Clow (born 1967) is a renowned Canadian author, known for his graphic novel series "The Sandman Mystery Theatre" and his collaboration with Neil Gaiman on "Death: The High Cost of Living." Additionally, Roxana Clow, born in 1852, was an American socialite and philanthropist who, along with her husband, established the Clow Valve Company, a significant player in the plumbing industry. Finally, Ian Clow (born 1953), a British archaeologist, has made significant contributions to the study of Celtic art and culture through his extensive research on stone sculptures and metalwork.

Genealogical research on the last name Clow

The surname Clow has roots that can be traced back to several regions in Britain, notably Scotland and England, where it originated as a nickname for someone with crooked or deformed feet, derived from the Old Norse "klaukr" or Middle English "clou," meaning claw. One of the earliest records of the Clow family is that of Sir Richard de Clowe who was granted land in Northumberland by William the Conqueror following the Norman Conquest in 1066. In Scotland, the Clow family can be traced to the Barony of Clourie in Ayrshire, where they held lands since at least the 13th century. The Clows also appear in numerous historical records during the Scottish Wars of Independence and later played significant roles in Scottish politics, including serving as Lords Provost of Glasgow and Members of Parliament. The Clow family has produced numerous notables, such as Sir Thomas Clourie, a prominent 16th-century Scottish judge, and James Clow, an influential 18th-century industrialist and ironmaster in Scotland. Today, the Clow name can be found worldwide due to historical migration patterns, with notable concentrations in Scotland, England, North America, Australia, and New Zealand.

Last name distribution maps

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Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 13 June 2025

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