Shaw Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Shaw come from? What does the surname Shaw mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Shaw and family migration on YourRoots Map.
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Surname Shaw Origin: What does the last name Shaw mean?
Shaw is a surname of English and Scottish origin, with roots in the Middle English and Old English words for "woodland" or "dweller by the wood." The surname has been traced back to the 13th century in Scotland and England, and by the 17th century, it had established a presence in Ireland as well. In the United States, Shaw is also used as an Americanized version of a similar-sounding Ashkenazic Jewish surname. The name is often associated with topographic features such as copses or thickets. Notable individuals with the surname Shaw include artists, athletes, politicians, and actors, reflecting the diverse legacy of the name.YourRoots data indicates that the Shaw surname has a long history in the United Kingdom, with significant records dating back to the 13th century. The surname's presence expanded globally, reaching countries like the United States, Canada, Australia, and South Africa by the 17th century. Today, the Shaw surname is found in various regions worldwide, highlighting its enduring popularity and widespread distribution. With its origins rooted in woodland landscapes and a history spanning centuries, the Shaw surname continues to be a prominent and recognizable name in diverse cultures and communities.
Shaw Last Name History: Where did the last name Shaw come from?
Origin of Shaw Surname: Where does the last name Shaw originate from?
YourRoots data indicates that the surname Shaw was first documented in Scotland, United Kingdom, around the early 13th century. Please consider that this data is specific to the exact ‚"Shaw" spelling in YourRoots database and does not cover other possible record sources or surname variations.
History of the Last Name Shaw: What does the Shaw surname history look like in the early days?
The ‚"Shaw" surname was predominantly found in the United Kingdom, specifically in Scotland and England, from the 13th to the 15th century. The frequency of Shaw family records began to significantly increase in the United States in the 16th century, reflecting a shift in the global distribution of the surname.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Shaw surname today?
By the 17th century, the volume of records with the Shaw surname had grown significantly in the United States, surpassing the United Kingdom. This trend continued into the 18th and 19th centuries. Today, the ‚"Shaw" surname is prominent not only in the United States but also in other regions worldwide. It appears in many countries, including but not limited to the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, India, and several European countries.
Explore Shaw last name heritage and Shaw surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With Shaw Surame?
Fiona Shaw
Fiona Mary Shaw (July 10, 1958) is an Irish actress known for her work in film, television, and theatre. She is renowned for her roles in the Harry Potter film series as Petunia Dursley and in the BBC series Killing Eve as Carolyn Martens. Shaw has received critical acclaim and numerous awards for her performances.
Tommy Shaw
Tommy Roland Shaw (born Sep 11, 1953) is an American singer and guitarist known for his time in Styx. He also played with Damn Yankees and Shaw Blades, releasing solo albums. Shaw's hits with Styx include "Renegade" and "Blue Collar Man."
Vinessa Shaw
Vinessa Elizabeth Shaw (born Jul 19, 1976) is an American actress and model known for her roles in popular films like "Hocus Pocus" and "Eyes Wide Shut." With a diverse ancestry, Shaw has appeared in a range of genres, from horror to drama, showcasing her versatility and talent.
Lindsey Shaw
Lindsey Shaw (May 10, 1989 - ) is an American actress known for her roles in popular TV shows like "Ned's Declassified School Survival Guide," "Pretty Little Liars," and "10 Things I Hate About You." She also appeared in the CW sitcom "Aliens in America" and the film "16-Love."
Dave Shaw
David John Shaw (20 Jul 1954 – 8 Jan 2005) was an Australian scuba diver, technical diver, and airline pilot known for his deep-sea diving records. He tragically passed away while attempting a recovery dive, leaving a lasting impact on the diving community.
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