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
School 5,784
Coal Miner Hewer 469
Cotton Weaver 436
Private Means 416
Labourer 383
General Labourer 362
None 281
Dressmaker 273
Farmer 253
Weaver 245
General Servant (domestic) 228
Housekeeper 226
Farm Labourer 217
Clerk 209
At Home 203
At School 163
Carter 163
Domestic Servant 151
House Keeper 141
Joiner 141
Assisting In The Business 140
House Painter 137
Charwoman 134
Scholar 133
Assisting In Business 131

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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