Last Name Meadows

The last name Meadows is of English origin. It is a locational surname referring to someone who lived by or near a meadow, which is an open area of grassland often found in low-lying areas, particularly near rivers or streams. The name derives from the Middle English word "mede," meaning meadow, and the Old English word "medu," which refers to a mead or meadow. Over time, the name Meadows became commonly used as a surname for families living near or associated with meadows in England.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Meadows

The meaning and origin of the last name Meadows

The surname Meadows has a meaning that originates from the Middle English word "mede" or "mead," which referred to a meadow or a piece of land covered in grass. This surname was likely given to individuals who lived near or worked in meadows as farmers, shepherds, or in other occupations connected to agriculture. Meadow, as a term, comes from the Old English "mǣdwe," ultimately tracing back to the Proto-Germanic word "*mēdwō." The surname may have also been adopted by people who resided near a geographic feature named Meadow or in a place known for its meadows. Over time, variations of the surname Meadows emerged, such as Meddows or Meadus, depending on regional influences and linguistic shifts. Today, the surname Meadows is relatively common in English-speaking countries, including the United Kingdom, the United States, and Canada, among others.

Geographical distribution of the last name Meadows

The last name Meadows has a widespread geographical distribution, primarily found in the English-speaking countries of the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. In the United States, the name is most commonly found in the southern states, particularly in states like Texas, Tennessee, and Alabama. The name also has a significant presence in the Northeastern states such as New York, Pennsylvania, and Massachusetts. In Canada, the surname Meadows can be found throughout the country, with larger concentrations of individuals bearing this name in provinces like Ontario and British Columbia. In the United Kingdom, the name is scattered across the country, but with a slightly higher concentration in the southern regions, including the counties of Surrey, Kent, and Hampshire. Overall, the distribution of the last name Meadows indicates its Anglo-Saxon origin and highlights the historical migration patterns of individuals with this surname.

Variants and spellings of the last name Meadows

The last name Meadows has a few variations and possible spellings. One variation is "Meadow," without the s at the end. This variation can be seen as a singular form instead of the plural form of the word, indicating a specific meadow or field. Another variation could be "Medows," where the letter a is replaced with the letter e. This spelling change is relatively common in surnames, as it might be a result of regional accents or dialects. Additionally, the last name could be spelled as "Meddows" or "Middows," where the double e is replaced by double d or double i, respectively. These alternate spellings could have emerged over time due to changes in pronunciation or differing transcriptions by record-keepers. Although these spellings vary, they are all connected to the root word meadow, which refers to a grassy field or open landscape.

Famous people with the last name Meadows

One notable individual with the last name Meadows is Tim Meadows, an American actor and comedian. Tim gained prominence as a cast member on the popular television show "Saturday Night Live" from 1991 to 2000. With his incredible talent for impersonations and comedic timing, Meadows became well-known for portraying iconic characters like Leon Phelps, "The Ladies Man." Tim Meadows further showcased his comedic abilities in films such as "Mean Girls," "Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story," and "Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping." Another figure with the last name Meadows is Jayne Meadows, an American actress and television personality. Jayne achieved fame as a versatile actress, starring in numerous films, plays, and television shows throughout her career, including the popular game show "I've Got a Secret." Both Tim and Jayne Meadows have left a lasting impact with their contributions to the entertainment industry.

Genealogical research on the last name Meadows

The last name Meadows is an English and Scottish surname with origins dating back to the medieval period. It is derived from the Middle English word "medewe," which means meadow or grassy field. The name likely originated as a locational surname, indicating that the ancestral bearer lived near or owned a meadow. Interestingly, the surname can also be of topographic origin, indicating that the initial family resided in a place surrounded by meadows. Over time, the surname Meadows spread throughout different regions of England and Scotland, and subsequently spread to other English-speaking countries through migration. Genealogical research on the surname Meadows would involve tracing the various branches of the family and examining historical records such as census data, birth certificates, marriage records, and immigration records. Additionally, DNA testing and collaboration with other Meadows descendants may help to further connect and expand the family tree.

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Meadows"
• 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 : 11 April 2025

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