Origin & Meaning of the Shaw Surname
What does the last name Shaw mean?
The surname Shaw carries the meaning "Origin and meaning under research." It is derived from the Unknown language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 160,400 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Shaw ranks as the #164 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Shaw come from?
The Shaw surname has its roots in Unknown heritage. Names of Unknown 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 Shaw name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Shaw trace back to Unknown. 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 | Shaw |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Origin and meaning under research |
| Origin | Unknown |
| Language | Unknown |
| US Rank (2010) | #164 |
| US Count (2010) | 160,400 |
| Per 100K People | 54.38 |
| First Letter | S |
Ethnic Distribution of Shaw
According to the US Census, the Shaw surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 160,400 Americans with the Shaw last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 72.07% |
| Black | 21.19% |
| Hispanic | 2.36% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 1.48% |
| Native American | 0.75% |
| Two or More Races | 2.15% |
Popularity of Shaw Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Shaw surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Shaw surname increased by 5,228 between 2000 and 2010.
Discover Your Shaw Ancestry
Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Shaw ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.
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The Complete Story of the Shaw Family
What you’ve read above is just the overview. Your full Shaw Heritage Report goes far deeper — and it’s yours to keep, print & share with your family.
- ✓ The true origin & meaning of Shaw
- ✓ The Shaw coat of arms & heraldry
- ✓ Migration journey across the world
- ✓ Where Shaw families live today
- ✓ Notable Shaw 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 Shaw
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Shaw.
Other Unknown Surnames
Explore more surnames with Unknown roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same Unknown origin as Shaw.
Frequently Asked Questions About Shaw
Top Surnames Starting with S
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter S, ranked by population.
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