Farrow
One who comes from a place where pigs are kept, or a hog dealer or seller.
According to the 2010 US Census Bureau surname tables, roughly 12,408 Americans carry the last name Farrow. That puts it at #3,353 in the national surname ranking, appearing at a frequency of 3.62 per 100,000 people (about 1 in 27,624 residents).
This page is the full Name Census profile for the Farrow surname. You will find the Census Bureau frequency data, an ancestry and ethnicity breakdown based on self-reported demographics, the name's meaning and origin where available, and answers to the most common questions people ask about this surname.
Bearers in the US
12K
1 in 27,624
Census rank
#3,353
2010 decennial data
Per 100,000
3.6
Frequency rate
Recorded bearers
11K
uncommon in the US
Popularity narrative
The Census Bureau recorded 10,672 bearers of the surname Farrow in its 2010 decennial surname file. At a rate of 3.62 per 100,000 residents, it holds the 3353rd position in the national surname ranking.
Among Census respondents with the surname Farrow, the largest self-reported group is White at 65.9%. The next largest groups are Black (27.5%) and Two or More Races (2.9%).
Origin
Meaning and origin of Farrow
The surname Farrow is of English origin, with its roots tracing back to the Anglo-Saxon era. It is believed to have derived from the Old English word "fearra," meaning "bull" or "ox." This suggests that the name was initially given as a nickname to someone who worked with these animals or possessed characteristics associated with them.
One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Farrow can be found in the Domesday Book of 1086, where it appears as "Farrewe." This historical document, commissioned by William the Conqueror, provides a comprehensive record of landowners and their holdings in England.
In the 12th century, the name appeared in various forms, such as "Farreu," "Farrowe," and "Farrouwe." These variations reflect the different spellings and pronunciations that were common during that time period.
The surname Farrow is also associated with several place names in England, such as Farrow in Derbyshire and Farrow Field in Worcestershire. These place names may have influenced the surname or vice versa, as people often adopted surnames based on their place of origin or residence.
One notable individual bearing the surname Farrow was Samuel Farrow (1641-1719), an English nonconformist minister and author who wrote several religious works, including "A Serious Call to Repentance" and "The Doctrine of Justification."
Another prominent figure was John Farrow (1594-1670), an English Puritan clergyman and theologian, who served as the rector of Geddington in Northamptonshire and wrote several theological treatises.
In the 18th century, Thomas Farrow (1712-1788) was a notable English painter and engraver, known for his landscape paintings and etchings depicting rural scenes.
Moving into the 19th century, John Farrow (1804-1884) was a British naval officer and explorer who served in the Royal Navy and participated in several Arctic expeditions.
Lastly, Mia Farrow (born 1945) is a renowned American actress and activist, known for her roles in films such as "Rosemary's Baby" and her humanitarian work. While not directly related to the surname's historical origins, her fame has undoubtedly contributed to the recognition of the Farrow name in modern times.
Demographics
Ancestry and ethnicity for Farrow
Among Census respondents with the surname Farrow, the largest self-reported group is White at 65.9%. The next largest groups are Black (27.5%) and Two or More Races (2.9%).
The bar chart below shows how Farrow bearers described their own race and ethnicity on the 2010 Census form. The Census Bureau groups responses into six broad categories: White, Black or African American, Hispanic or Latino, Asian and Pacific Islander, American Indian and Alaska Native, and Two or More Races. When a category has too few respondents for a given surname, the Bureau suppresses the figure to protect individual privacy, which is why some names show fewer than six slices.
Keep in mind that these are self-reported numbers. A person's surname does not determine their race or ethnicity, and the distribution you see here reflects the specific population who happened to carry the Farrow surname at the time of the 2010 Census, not any inherent property of the name itself.
- White65.9%
- Black or African American27.5%
- Two or more races2.9%
- Hispanic or Latino2.1%
- American Indian and Alaska Native1.1%
- Asian and Pacific Islander0.5%
Year on year
2010 vs 2010 Census
How has the Farrow surname changed between Census years? The chart shows bearer count side by side, and the table compares rank, count, and frequency.
Census year comparison
| Metric | 2010 | 2010 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #3,353 | #3,353 | 0.0% |
| Count | 10,672 | 10,672 | 0.0% |
| Per 100K | 3.62 | 3.62 | 0.0% |
Between the 2010 and 2010 Census, the number of Farrow bearers went from 10,672 to 10,672 (+0.0% change). The surname held its position in the national ranking, going from #3,353 to #3,353.
Notable bearers
Famous people with the surname Farrow
FAQ
Farrow surname: questions and answers
How common is the last name Farrow?
The surname Farrow holds position #3,353 in the US Census Bureau's surname ranking, with an estimated 12,408 living bearers. It occurs at a rate of 3.62 per 100,000 Americans.
What is the ethnic background of the Farrow surname?
Among Census respondents with the surname Farrow, the largest self-reported group is White at 65.9%. The next largest groups are Black (27.5%) and Two or More Races (2.9%). These figures come from the 2010 Census Bureau surname tables, based on how respondents described their own race and ethnicity.
Where does this surname data come from?
All surname statistics on Name Census are drawn from the US Census Bureau's decennial surname frequency tables. These tables list every surname that appeared 100 or more times in the 2010 Census, along with a frequency rate and self-reported demographic breakdown. You can read the full explanation on our methodology page.