Last Name Maw

The surname Maw is of English and Scottish origin. It has several possible origins. 1. In England, it could be a topographic surname derived from Old Norse "maugr" or Middle English "mawe," meaning "moor" or "marsh." People living near such areas might have been identified by this name. 2. In Scotland, the surname Maw is believed to be of locative origin, deriving from places called Maw or Mauw. There are several places with these names in Scotland, including a parish in Aberdeenshire and a hamlet in Moray. 3. Another theory suggests that it could be a nickname for someone with a prominent jaw, derived from the Middle English "mawe" meaning "jaw." As with many surnames, the exact origin of Maw can be difficult to determine due to various factors such as spelling variations and the passage of time.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Maw

The meaning and origin of the last name Maw

The surname Maw originates from England and is of Anglo-Saxon origin. It is derived from various place names across the country, including places like Mow in Suffolk, Maugh in Staffordshire, and Maughe in Derbyshire. These place names are believed to have been derived from the Old English word "maga," meaning "meadow" or "open pasture." Over time, individuals living in these areas adopted the name as their surname, reflecting their geographical origin. The surname Maw can also be found in Welsh and Scottish names, suggesting a possible migration or assimilation of people bearing this name from England to those regions. Today, the surname Maw is relatively uncommon but still present in various English-speaking countries, particularly in England itself.

Geographical distribution of the last name Maw

The surname Maw is predominantly found in England and Wales, particularly in the counties of Devon, Cornwall, Somerset, Gloucestershire, and Worcestershire. It is believed to be a topographic name for someone who lived near a maw or mouth of a river, cave, or mine. The name also appears in Scotland, but less frequently than in England and Wales. In the United States, the name is most common in states with significant English and Welsh ancestry, such as Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois. In Australia, the name is most prevalent in New South Wales, Victoria, and Queensland. Additionally, the surname Maw can be found in small numbers in other English-speaking countries like Canada, South Africa, and New Zealand.

Variants and spellings of the last name Maw

The surname Maw has several variations and spellings, primarily due to regional dialects, transcription errors, and individual preferences over time. Some common variations include Mawes, Mayes, Mays, Mose, Maes, Meas, Maws, Mosey, and May. These variations may arise from changes in pronunciation, misinterpretations during the recording of historical documents, or the influence of local dialects. Additionally, some people may have intentionally altered their name slightly over time for personal reasons or to simplify spelling. Regardless of its specific form, Maw remains a distinctive and interesting surname with a rich history.

Famous people with the last name Maw

The Maw surname has been associated with notable figures across various fields. In the realm of science, Sir Martin John Mawby Maw, a British mathematician, made significant contributions to algebraic topology and representation theory. In music, there is Chris Maw, an English conductor known for his work with the London Symphony Orchestra and the BBC National Orchestra of Wales. The arts have also seen the influence of Brian Mawhinney Maw, a renowned Scottish painter who specializes in abstract expressionism. Lastly, in politics, Sir Peter Mawby Maw, a British Conservative politician, served as Member of Parliament for Westmorland and Lonsdale from 1974 to 1983. These individuals exemplify the diverse achievements linked to the Maw surname.

Genealogical research on the last name Maw

The surname Maw is primarily of English origin and is believed to have several possible meanings and origins. One theory suggests that it could be a topographic name for someone who lived near a marsh or mire, derived from the Old English word "mawe," meaning swamp or marsh. Another theory proposes that it could be an occupational name for a maker of wooden implements, as "maw" was used in Middle English to refer to a mouthpiece or beak of certain tools. The earliest recorded instances of the name Maw date back to the 13th century, with Robert Maw appearing in records from Yorkshire in 1273. Over the centuries, various branches and spellings of the name have emerged across England, such as Mawes, Mawe, and May. Notable individuals bearing the surname Maw include Cornish admiral Sir John Maw, explorer and navigator James Maw, and British actor Peter Maw.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Maw"
• 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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