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 5,599
Agricultural Labourer 565
Cotton Weaver 494
Coal Miner 420
Labourer 360
House Servant 351
Dress Maker 305
House Keeper 276
Carter 190
Servant 178
Woollen Weaver 155
Cotton Spinner 141
General Servant 120
Shoe Maker 116
Cotton Piecer 115
Laundress 114
Tailor 112
Potter 110
Domestic Servant 106
Wife Of Above 98
Blacksmith 95
House Maid 94
Joiner 94
Cotton Factory Worker 93
Cotton Winder 91

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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