Last Name Lindow

The surname Lindow is of Old English and Norse origin. It is derived from various places named Lindow in Germany, Sweden, and England. In Germany, there are several towns named Lindow, while in Sweden, Lindö is an island with a historic village known as Lång-Lindö, where the name Lindow might have originated. In England, there's a place called Lindow Moss near Wilmslow, Cheshire, where archaeological remains suggest that it was inhabited since prehistoric times, which may contribute to the English origins of the surname. However, it is important to note that surnames often evolved over centuries as people moved and migrated, so it is possible for different variations of Lindow to have separate origins.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Lindow

The meaning and origin of the last name Lindow

The surname Lindow is of Old English origin, derived from a topographical or locative name for someone who lived by a 'linn', a shallow pool or ford, particularly one in a wooded area. The term "Lind" in Old English refers to a lime tree and "ow" indicates a place. Therefore, the surname Lindow likely originated from a settlement near a lime tree-lined pool or ford. Over time, the spelling of the name has evolved, with variations such as Lindow and Lindewood appearing in historical records. The earliest known instance of the name Lindow in England dates back to the 13th century.

Geographical distribution of the last name Lindow

The surname Lindow is predominantly found in regions of Northern England, particularly in counties such as Cheshire and Lancashire, due to historical origins dating back to the Anglo-Saxon period. However, it has also been traced in smaller numbers across other parts of England, Scotland, and Wales. In more recent times, individuals with the last name Lindow can be found in various countries worldwide as a result of migration, particularly to the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. The name's geographical distribution reflects historical settlement patterns and subsequent global mobility.

Variants and spellings of the last name Lindow

The surname Lindow has several variants and spellings, stemming from its original Germanic origin. Some common variations include: Lindow, Lindau, Linde, Lindoe, Lindo, and Lingwood. These variations may have arisen due to factors such as spelling changes over time, regional dialects, and transcription errors in historical records. In addition, the name can also be found with prefixes like van der, van de, and von den, which are common in Dutch and German names. Other variations might include Linding, Lindoway, Lindou, and Lindowe, among others. It's important to note that these variants may have different pronunciations depending on the region or country of origin.

Famous people with the last name Lindow

The Lindow family has produced several notable figures in various fields. One of the most renowned is Dr. Richard Lindow III, a forensic anthropologist and Professor of Anatomy at the University of Arizona. He gained fame for his work on the identification of human remains from mass disasters such as the 9/11 World Trade Center attacks and the Oklahoma City bombing. In the world of music, there's Robert Lindow, better known by his stage name Bobby Liebling, who is the lead vocalist of the heavy metal band Pentagram. His unique voice and intense performances have contributed significantly to the genre. Additionally, British journalist Martin Lindow is known for his work on the BBC, where he has served as a foreign correspondent and news anchor.

Genealogical research on the last name Lindow

The surname Lindow is primarily of English origin, derived from various places named Lindow in Cheshire and North Yorkshire. The earliest recorded instance of the name can be traced back to the Anglo-Saxon period, with the Old English word "HLynd" meaning "a high place by water."

Notable individuals bearing the Lindow surname include Henry Lindow, an English lawyer who served as Solicitor General under King James I, and Sarah Lindow, a prominent 19th-century British suffragist.

The name's distribution in England remains concentrated primarily in Cheshire and North Yorkshire, but it has also been found in other parts of the UK due to migration during historical periods. The spelling variations, such as Lindow or Lydon, can be attributed to phonetic changes and regional dialects over time.

The research on the genealogy of the Lindow family continues today through various online resources, local archives, and DNA testing, allowing many individuals to explore their family history and connect with distant relatives.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Lindow"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

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 : 28 July 2025

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