Shaw Name Origin, Meaning and Family History

Shaw Name Meaning: Of English and Scottish origin, mainly used as a surname rather than a forename. The name was often given to someone who lived by a wood.

Shaw is derived from the Old English \"sceaga\", a small place name for example those in Lancashire, Berkshire and Wiltshire.

Discover how your Shaw ancestors earned their living and spread across the country. Find out more about your family history by using the Free Search box.

Surname Distribution

Census frequency by county

Name Concentrations Within England and Wales

Shaw Surname Statistics


Top Professions for the Shaw family

Profession Census Frequency
Female Servant 817
Agricultural Labourer 719
Independent 564
Labourer 433
Farmer 402
Male Servant 301
Cotton Weaver 283
Weaver 265
Shoe Maker 184
Cotton Spinner 136
Woollen Weaver 132
Coal Miner 117
Frame Work Knitter 99
Dress Maker 93
Tailor 93
Cotton Piecer 89
Joiner 89
Apprentice 85
Fancy Weaver 71
Butcher 63
Carpenter 61
Wool Comber 61
Clothier 61
Grocer 60
Cloth Dresser 58

Shaw Surname Variants Ranking

Rank Surname Match Census Frequency
1 Shaw 100% 355,842
2 Show 75% 3,271
3 Shawe 80% 1,692
4 Shew 75% 1,108
5 Ashew 60% 471
6 Showe 60% 198
7 Sahw 50% 161
8 Ushaw 80% 133

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The surname Shaw is the most popular version of all its varients

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