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
Scholar 3,753
At Home 573
Agricultural Labourer 547
House Servant 500
Labourer 400
Dress Maker 274
Coal Miner 265
Farm Labourer 212
Servant 201
House Keeper 177
Cotton Weaver 143
Weaver 141
Annuitant 132
Power Loom Weaver 122
General Servant 121
Shoe Maker 121
Cotton Piecer 114
Cotton Spinner 114
Tailor 112
Wife 107
Scholar At Home 104
Farm Servant 95
Pauper 94
Ag Lab 87
Errand Boy 86

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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