Surname Plow - Meaning and Origin
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Plow: What does the surname Plow mean?
The surname Plow is of English origin and it is an occupational name, deriving from the Old English word "ploh," which means a plow. The name was likely originally given to individuals who made a living as plowmen or farmers who used a plow, an essential farming tool. In the Middle Ages, when surnames started to become common, people often had names related to their jobs, trades, or occupations. Therefore, the bearer of the surname Plow likely has ancestry connected to farming or agriculture. The spelling of the surname may vary, including versions such as Plowh, Plowe, and Plou. Despite its simplicity, this name carries a deep history and connection to the land and the important work of farming.
Order DNA origin analysisPlow: Where does the name Plow come from?
The last name Plow is most commonly found in the United States today. According to the 2019 US census estimates, the name is the 35,846th most common surname in the US with approximately 11,156 individuals bearing the name. The surname is also fairly widespread, appearing in 22 of the 50 states. It is particularly common in the midwestern states, especially Indiana where it is the 4,665th most popular surname. It is also quite common in the south, ranking 22,167th in Mississippi, 15,683rd in Arkansas, and 14, 317th in Missouri.
In comparison to other countries, Plow is considerably rarer. According to a 2008 survey by Forebears, the name ranks 466,985th in popularity in England and Wales, and is not included among the most common last names in Germany, France, Czech Republic, Canada, or Australia.
The surname is popularly thought to have derived from the word 'plough', indicating that the ancestors of individuals bearing the name may have been associated with farming or agricultural activities. However, it is also possible that the name originated from a topographical feature such as a valley equipped with ploughlands or fields, in which case it may not necessarily have had an agricultural origin.
Overall, the last name Plow is most commonly found in the US today, with its presence well established throughout various parts of the country. Despite its popularity in the US, however, the origin of the name remains somewhat unclear.
Variations of the surname Plow
The surname Plow is believed to have its origins in the West Midlands of England, as evidenced by its unique spelling. Variations of the name Plow might include Plough, Ploe, Plowe, Ploh, Ploughe, Plouh, Plaw, Plawe, Plau, Plaud, Plo, Plowgh and Ploughman.
In other countries, Plow is spelled differently. For example, variant spellings of the surname exist in Germany (Plah or Plahte), France (Plou), Russia (Plyosv), and Spain (Plou). Other variations may be derived from the native language of the region; in Italy, Plow is sometimes spelled Pluau, while in Lithuania it may be spelled Plavas.
The surname may also be seen in different forms that have been derived from the same original name. With each generation, the spelling may evolve further due to translation and pronunciation variances. Variations such as Ploeg, Plouff, Ploughe, Plout, and Plove are used in other parts of the world.
Many modern versions of the Plow surname may have come from the occupation of a plowman or farmer in past centuries. As a result, other related names such as Ploughman, Farmer, Ploughwright and Plowright are all derived from the surname Plow.
In addition, descendants of the Plow family may possess surnames from lines of succession or marriage. These could potentially include names such as Plowman, Plowers, Pluau, Plove, Ploutt, Plowrey and Plouff.
Famous people with the name Plow
- Bob Plow, former NFL player and former head coach for the Oakland Raiders
- Ving Rhames, actor, sometimes credited as Irving Rameses Plowes
- Francesca Plow, British comedian and writer
- Shannen Doherty, American actress sometimes credited as Shannen Plow
- Wayland Plow, American actor
- Jeffrey Plow, American Olympic boxer
- Ernest Plow, Canadian NHL player
- John Plow, British author
- Johnnie Plow, English musician
- David Plow, Welsh rugby union player