Origin & Meaning of the Harlow Surname
What does the last name Harlow mean?
The surname Harlow carries the meaning "Family name of European origin." It is derived from the European language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 11,726 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Harlow ranks as the #3,060 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Harlow come from?
The Harlow surname has its roots in European heritage. Names of European origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the Harlow name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Harlow trace back to European. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.
Quick Facts
| Surname | Harlow |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Family name of European origin |
| Origin | European |
| Language | European |
| US Rank (2010) | #3,060 |
| US Count (2010) | 11,726 |
| Per 100K People | 3.98 |
| First Letter | H |
Ethnic Distribution of Harlow
According to the US Census, the Harlow surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 11,726 Americans with the Harlow last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 94.07% |
| Black | 1.3% |
| Hispanic | 1.88% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.66% |
| Native American | 0.51% |
| Two or More Races | 1.58% |
Popularity of Harlow Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Harlow surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Harlow surname increased by 598 between 2000 and 2010.
Discover Your Harlow Ancestry
Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Harlow ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.
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The Complete Story of the Harlow Family
What you’ve read above is just the overview. Your full Harlow Heritage Report goes far deeper — and it’s yours to keep, print & share with your family.
- ✓ The true origin & meaning of Harlow
- ✓ The Harlow coat of arms & heraldry
- ✓ Migration journey across the world
- ✓ Where Harlow families live today
- ✓ Notable Harlow bearers in history
- ✓ Name variations & spellings worldwide
- ✓ A step-by-step guide to start tracing your own family tree
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Similar Surnames to Harlow
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Harlow.
Other European Surnames
Explore more surnames with European roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same European origin as Harlow.
Frequently Asked Questions About Harlow
Top Surnames Starting with H
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter H, ranked by population.
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