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 8,079
Coal Miner 982
Cotton Weaver 783
General Labourer 606
Domestic Servant 401
Dress Maker 395
Living On Own Means 353
Farmer 319
Labourer 317
Agricultural Labourer 302
Living On Her Own Means 291
Woollen Weaver 220
General Servant 200
General Servant Domestic 198
Cotton Spinner 194
House Keeper 185
Joiner 185
Grocer 168
Farm Labourer 156
Carter 137
Laundress 137
Blacksmith 136
Clerk 130
Farm Servant 124
Butcher 120

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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