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Last Name Withrow

What is the origin of the last name Withrow?

The origin of the last name Withrow is primarily traced back to Scotland. It is considered to be of Scottish Gaelic origin. The name is believed to be derived from the Old Scots word "rue" or "rew," which means "red." Withrow, thus, could have originally described someone with red hair or a ruddy complexion. Over time, variations of the name have emerged, including variations like Whitroe, Whithrow, and Whitrow. The name Withrow is relatively rare and is mainly found in Scotland and among Scottish descendants in other parts of the world.

origin of the last name Withrow

Learn more about the origin of the last name Withrow

The meaning and origin of the last name Withrow

The surname Withrow is of Scottish origin and is derived from the Old English phrase "wīth raw," which translates to “the row of trees.” It is a locational surname, typically associated with people who resided near a particular row of trees, a wooded area, or even a boundary formed by trees. The name Withrow has variant spellings such as Withrue, Withrall, and Witherow, all of which share the same etymological roots. The surname is mainly found in Scotland and Northern Ireland, where many families adopted the name due to their historical ties to the area. Over time, various branches of the Withrow family have migrated to other parts of the world, including the United States, Canada, and Australia. Today, Withrow is a relatively uncommon surname, but it still serves as a reminder of the ancestral connection to nature and land.

Geographical distribution of the last name Withrow

The surname Withrow has a relatively concentrated geographical distribution primarily within the United States. The largest population of Withrow families can be found in the state of Kentucky, where the name originated. This likely reflects the Scottish and Irish roots of the surname, as many Scots-Irish immigrants settled in Kentucky during the 18th and 19th centuries. Other significant populations of Withrow families can be found in states such as Ohio, West Virginia, and Tennessee, as well as certain regions of the southern United States. Outside of the United States, the surname Withrow is less common. It can be found in smaller numbers in countries such as Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia, largely as a result of migration. However, compared to its prevalence within the United States, the geographical distribution of the Withrow surname in these countries is relatively limited.

Variants and spellings of the last name Withrow

The last name Withrow may have some variations and alternate spellings. These variations can arise due to changes in pronunciation, regional dialects, or transcription errors. Some possible variations of the last name Withrow include Withrowe, Whithrow, Withro, Widrow, Withren, Withery, Withrous, Withrah, and Witherrow. These variants can occur when different individuals or family branches adopt their own unique spelling or when genealogical records are recorded by different people with varying levels of accuracy. Moreover, the last name may also have regional and ethnic variations, such as Witrow in Polish or Vithrow in Swedish. It is important to note that the spelling and variation of surnames can evolve over time, making it crucial to consider historical documents and personal records to obtain an accurate representation of a family's surname variation.

Famous people with the last name Withrow

Unfortunately, there are no widely recognized famous people with the last name Withrow. While the name may have its origins and significance for certain individuals or families, it does not appear to be associated with any prominent figures in fields such as entertainment, sports, politics, or academia. It is worth noting that fame is subjective, and there may be individuals with the last name Withrow who have achieved notable accomplishments within their communities or specific professions. However, their recognition outside of these circles may be limited. Nevertheless, it is always possible for someone with the last name Withrow to rise to prominence in the future and leave a lasting mark in their respective area of expertise.

Genealogical research on the last name Withrow

The surname Withrow is believed to have originated from Scotland or Northern Ireland. The earliest records of the Withrow family can be traced back to the 17th century in Scotland. It is speculated that the name Withrow could be a variant of the Scottish Gaelic name Mac Gille Bhuidhe, meaning "son of the yellow-haired lad," which eventually evolved into Withrow over time. Some members of the Withrow family eventually migrated to Northern Ireland, particularly in County Down and County Antrim. In the 18th and 19th centuries, Withrows began immigrating to the United States, particularly to states such as Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Kentucky. Many Withrow descendants can still be found in these areas today. Over the years, the Withrow family has expanded and integrated into various communities, creating a diverse and wide-reaching genealogical network.

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