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 6,963
Labourer 628
Cotton Weaver 562
Coal Miner 467
Agricultural Labourer 463
Domestic Servant 349
House Keeper 336
Dress Maker 322
Woollen Weaver 296
General Servant 280
Annuitant 167
Miner 149
Joiner 147
Farm Labourer 122
Carter 118
Farm Servant 116
Servant 115
Laundress 112
Tailor 112
Weaver 106
Shoe Maker 101
Stone Mason 94
Grocer 93
Cotton Spinner 92
Worsted Weaver 90

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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