Find out how popular the first name Barlow has been for the last 5 years (from 2019 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Barlow by gender

Based on the last 5 years of data, Barlow is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 5 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Barlow.

The history of the first name Barlow

The name Barlow has its origins in the Old English language, tracing back to the 11th century. It is derived from the words "bearu," meaning a grove or meadow, and "hlaw," referring to a small hill or mound. This suggests that the name originally denoted someone who lived near a grove or meadow on a small hill.

During the Middle Ages, the name Barlow appeared in various forms, such as Baerlau, Berlau, and Berlo, reflecting the regional variations in spelling and pronunciation. It was commonly found in areas of England, particularly in the counties of Yorkshire, Lancashire, and Cheshire, where it was associated with several prominent families.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Barlow can be found in the Domesday Book, a comprehensive survey of land ownership commissioned by William the Conqueror in 1086. The entry mentions a landowner named "Berlau" in the county of Yorkshire.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Barlow. One of the most famous was Sir William Barlow (1544-1625), an English diplomat and mathematician who served as an ambassador to various European courts during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I.

Another prominent figure was Joel Barlow (1754-1812), an American poet, diplomat, and politician. He is best known for his epic poem "The Columbiad" and for his role as the United States Minister to France during the early 19th century.

In the realm of literature, the name Barlow is associated with John Barlow (1854-1914), an English poet and novelist who wrote under the pen name "Michael Fairless." His most famous work, "The Roadmender," was a bestseller in its time and celebrated the beauty of nature and rural life.

The world of science also has its share of notable Barlows, including John Perry Barlow (1947-2018), an American writer, poet, and cyberlibertarian activist. He was a prominent advocate for digital rights and co-founded the Electronic Frontier Foundation, a influential organization dedicated to defending civil liberties in the digital age.

Lastly, it is worth mentioning Walter Barlow (1858-1932), an English cricketer who played for Gloucestershire County Cricket Club and captained the English national team during the late 19th century. He was known for his exceptional batting skills and leadership on the field.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Barlow was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Barlow, please contact us.

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