NameCensus.

UK surname

Gow

A Scottish surname derived from the Gaelic word "gobha," meaning a blacksmith or metalworker.

In the 1881 census there were 396 people recorded with the Gow surname, ranking it #8,024 among surnames in the records. By 2016, the modern count was 2,517, ranked #2,627, up from #8,024 in 1881.

The strongest historical links point to Blair Atholl, Govan Combination and Edinburgh. In the modern distribution records, the strongest local clusters include Stockbridge, The Glens and Douglas West.

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Gow is 2,713 in 1901. Compared with 1881, the name has grown by 535.6%.

1881 census count

396

Ranked #8,024

Modern count

2,517

2016, ranked #2,627

Peak year

1901

2,713 bearers

Map years

7

1851 to 2016

Key insights

  • Gow had 396 recorded bearers in 1881, making it the #8,024 surname in that year.
  • The latest modern count shown here is 2,517 in 2016, ranked #2,627.
  • Within the historical census years, the highest count was 2,713 in 1901.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Legacy and Demographically Mixed Communities.

Gow surname distribution map

The map shows where the Gow surname is concentrated in each census or modern distribution year. Darker areas mean a stronger local concentration.

Distribution map

Gow surname density by area, 1881 census.

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Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

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Gow over time

The table below tracks recorded surname counts and rank from the 19th-century census years through the modern adult-register period.

Year Period Count Rank
1851 historical 1,910 #1,513
1861 historical 2 #34,135
1881 historical 396 #8,024
1891 historical 2,049 #2,254
1901 historical 2,713 #2,048
1997 modern 2,510 #2,509
1998 modern 2,605 #2,513
1999 modern 2,605 #2,531
2000 modern 2,562 #2,556
2001 modern 2,487 #2,574
2002 modern 2,555 #2,562
2003 modern 2,508 #2,561
2004 modern 2,496 #2,575
2005 modern 2,484 #2,552
2006 modern 2,424 #2,612
2007 modern 2,483 #2,582
2008 modern 2,541 #2,548
2009 modern 2,582 #2,571
2010 modern 2,631 #2,585
2011 modern 2,565 #2,610
2012 modern 2,490 #2,631
2013 modern 2,516 #2,647
2014 modern 2,546 #2,637
2015 modern 2,541 #2,615
2016 modern 2,517 #2,627

Geography

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Where Gows are most common

Historical parish links are strongest around Blair Atholl, Govan Combination, Edinburgh, Dundee, Liff, Benvie and Invergowry and Perth. These are the places where the surname stands out most clearly in the older records.

The modern local-area list points to Stockbridge, The Glens, Douglas West, IZ12 and Caithness South. Treat these as concentration signals, not proof that every family line began there.

Top historical parishes

Rank Parish Area
1 Blair Atholl Perth
2 Govan Combination Lanark
3 Edinburgh Edinburgh
4 Dundee, Liff, Benvie and Invergowry Forfar
5 Perth Perth

Top modern areas

Rank Area District
1 Stockbridge City of Edinburgh
2 The Glens Dundee City
3 Douglas West Dundee City
4 IZ12 West Dunbartonshire
5 Caithness South Highland

Forenames

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First names often paired with Gow

These lists show first names that appear often with the Gow surname in historical and recent records.

Modern profile

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Neighbourhood profile for Gow

Modern surname records can be compared with neighbourhood classifications. For Gow, this points to the kinds of places where the surname is most concentrated today.

These neighbourhood labels describe areas, not individual people. They are useful because surnames often cluster through family history, migration, housing patterns and local work. A surname can be strongest in one type of neighbourhood even when people with that name live across the country.

The UK classification gives the national picture. The London classification is more specific to the capital, where housing, age profile, tenure and population mix can look quite different from the rest of the UK.

UK neighbourhood type

UK Output Area Classification

Supergroup

Legacy Communities

Group

Legacy and Demographically Mixed Communities

Nationally, the Gow surname is most associated with neighbourhoods classed as Legacy and Demographically Mixed Communities, within Legacy Communities. This does not mean every Gow household fits that profile, but it gives a useful signal about where the modern surname distribution is strongest.

Read profile summary

Group profile

Households in these areas often include divorced or separated parents and commonly include children and young adults. The age structure is heavily skewed towards the most advanced age groups. Individuals identifying as members of ethnic minorities are not present in large numbers. Flats predominate, with some terraced, semi-detached, and detached units. Multiple car ownership is low, and housing is predominantly in the private and social rented sectors. Employment is less skewed towards traditional routine industrial occupations. Levels of educational attainment are generally low. The Group occurs principally in the Central Lowlands of Scotland and other Scottish towns.

Wider pattern

These neighbourhoods characteristically comprise pockets of flats that are scattered across the UK, particularly in towns that retain or have legacies of heavy industry or are in more remote seaside locations. Employed residents of these neighbourhoods work mainly in low-skilled occupations. Residents typically have limited educational qualifications. Unemployment is above average. Some residents live in overcrowded housing within the social rented sector and experience long-term disability. All adult age groups are represented, although there is an overall age bias towards elderly people in general and the very old in particular. Individuals identifying as belonging to ethnic minorities or Mixed or Multiple ethnic groups are uncommon.

London neighbourhood type

London Output Area Classification

Supergroup

The Greater London Mix

Group

Skilled Trades and Construction Workers

Within London, Gow is most associated with areas classed as Skilled Trades and Construction Workers, part of The Greater London Mix. This gives the surname a London-specific profile rather than forcing the capital into the same pattern as the rest of the country.

Read profile summary

Group profile

These scattered, peripheral and often low residential density neighbourhoods house more workers in skilled trades and construction. Few households rent social housing and there are few students. Multiple car ownership is higher than the Supergroup average, perhaps because of poorer public transport connectivity. Incidence of mixed or multiple ethnicity is below the Supergroup average, and the absence of individuals identifying as Pakistani or Other Asian groups is also less pronounced. Flatted accommodation is less dominant than elsewhere in the Supergroup.

Wider London pattern

A Supergroup embodying London's diversity in many respects, apart from low numbers of residents identifying as of Bangladeshi, Indian, Pakistani or Other (non-Chinese) Asian ethnicity. There is lower than average prevalence of families with dependent children, while there are above average occurrences of never-married individuals and single-person households. The age distribution is skewed towards younger, single residents and couples without children, with many individuals identifying as of mixed or multiple ethnicity. Social rented or private rented housing is slightly more prevalent than average, and many residents live in flats. Individuals typically work in professional and associated roles in public administration, education or health rather than in elementary occupations in agriculture, energy, water, construction or manufacturing. Incidence of students is slightly below average. Individuals declaring no religion are more prevalent than average and non-use of English at home is below average.

Healthy neighbourhoods

Access to healthy assets and hazards

Gow is most concentrated in decile 1 for access to healthy assets and hazards. This places the surname towards the less healthy end of the index.

Lower deciles point towards weaker access to healthy assets or stronger exposure to local hazards. Higher deciles point towards stronger access and fewer hazards.

1
Lower access Higher access

Neighbourhood deprivation

Index of Multiple Deprivation

Gow falls in decile 9 for neighbourhood deprivation. This puts the surname towards the less deprived end of the index.

Decile 1 represents the more deprived end of the scale. Decile 10 represents the less deprived end.

9
More deprived Less deprived

Broadband speed

Fixed broadband download speed

The modern neighbourhood pattern for Gow is most associated with a typical fixed broadband download band of Over 70 mbit/s.

The scale below places that band in context, from slower local download bands through to faster ones.

10
Slower band Faster band

Area snapshot

Ethnic group estimate

Most common ethnic group estimate
White - British

This describes the area pattern most associated with Gow, not the ethnicity of every person with the surname.

Meaning and origin of Gow

Gow is a Scottish surname derived from the Gaelic word "gobha," which means "smith" or "blacksmith." The name originated in the Highlands of Scotland in the medieval period, where blacksmiths played a crucial role in the local economy and were highly respected members of their communities.

The earliest recorded instance of the Gow surname dates back to the 15th century, when it appeared in the Register of the Great Seal of Scotland in the year 1492. During this time, many families adopted surnames based on their occupations, and the Gow family likely took their name from their ancestors' trade as blacksmiths.

In the 16th and 17th centuries, the Gow surname was particularly prevalent in the counties of Perthshire and Angus, where several prominent Gow families resided. One notable example is John Gow (c. 1598-1681), a Scottish minister and author who served as the minister of Campsie Parish in Stirlingshire.

The Gow surname also has a connection to various place names in Scotland. For instance, the village of Gowrie in Perthshire is believed to have derived its name from the Gaelic words "gobha" and "rìgh," meaning "the king's smith." Additionally, the town of Gowkthrapple in Lanarkshire may have originated from the Scots word "gowk," meaning "cuckoo," suggesting a possible link to a Gow family residing in the area.

Throughout history, several individuals with the Gow surname have made significant contributions in various fields. One notable figure is Nathaniel Gow (1766-1831), a Scottish composer and violinist who was renowned for his collections of Scottish dance music. Another prominent Gow was Sir James Alexander Gow (1854-1923), a British naval officer and politician who served as the Governor of New South Wales, Australia, from 1909 to 1915.

In the field of literature, William Gow (1828-1909) was a Scottish poet and author who wrote extensively about rural life in Perthshire. Additionally, John Gow (1932-2011) was a Scottish writer and historian who authored numerous books on the history and culture of the Scottish Highlands.

While the Gow surname is primarily associated with Scotland, it has also spread to other parts of the world through emigration. Today, individuals bearing this surname can be found in various countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

1881 census detail

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Gow families in the 1881 census

These tables use 1881 census entries for people recorded with the Gow surname. Use the location tables for concentration, then the name and occupation tables for the people behind the surname.

Top counties

Total is the county count. Frequency and index adjust for local population size, so they are better concentration signals. Perthshire leads with 484 Gows recorded in 1881 and an index of 46.72x.

County Total Index
Perthshire 484 46.72x
Lanarkshire 328 4.39x
Angus 279 13.05x
Midlothian 216 6.99x
Middlesex 117 0.51x
Stirlingshire 99 11.63x
Lancashire 79 0.29x
Caithness 72 22.78x
Fife 63 4.61x
Renfrewshire 62 3.47x
Dunbartonshire 59 9.51x
Morayshire 56 15.62x
Sutherland 47 26.48x
Aberdeenshire 38 1.78x
Northumberland 35 1.02x
Surrey 32 0.28x
Inverness-shire 26 3.77x
Roxburghshire 23 5.50x
Clackmannanshire 22 11.54x
Durham 22 0.32x
Ayrshire 17 0.98x
Cheshire 17 0.33x
Orkney 17 6.70x
Yorkshire 16 0.07x
Peeblesshire 12 11.05x
Hampshire 10 0.21x
Banffshire 9 1.88x
Kent 9 0.11x
Kincardineshire 9 3.20x
Selkirkshire 9 4.31x
West Lothian 8 2.30x
Buteshire 7 5.01x
Glamorgan 7 0.17x
Gloucestershire 7 0.15x
Lincolnshire 7 0.19x
Northamptonshire 6 0.28x
Ross-shire 6 0.95x
Berwickshire 5 1.79x
Sussex 5 0.13x
Hertfordshire 3 0.19x
Somerset 3 0.08x
East Lothian 2 0.65x
Essex 2 0.04x
Huntingdonshire 2 0.44x
Nottinghamshire 2 0.06x
Staffordshire 2 0.03x
Warwickshire 2 0.03x
Berkshire 1 0.06x
Caernarfonshire 1 0.11x
Cornwall 1 0.04x
Cumberland 1 0.05x
Herefordshire 1 0.11x
Royal Navy 1 0.36x

Top districts and towns

Districts give a more local view than counties. Total shows raw records, while frequency and index show local concentration. Dundee in Angus leads with 149 Gows recorded in 1881 and an index of 18.67x.

Place Total Index
Dundee 149 18.67x
Glasgow 123 9.28x
Edinburgh St Cuthberts 99 7.96x
Govan 95 5.15x
Barony 64 3.39x
Auchterarder 46 159.06x
Liff Benvie 46 14.17x
Elgin 37 53.04x
Tongue 37 241.36x
Perth East Church 35 35.84x
Blair Athole 33 239.13x
Wick 30 29.39x
Blairgowrie 27 65.90x
Latheron 26 49.19x
Logie 25 67.28x
South Leith 25 7.19x
Crieff 24 62.31x
Muthill 21 155.33x
Monzievaird Strowan 20 360.36x
Cardross 19 25.51x
Glenisla 19 303.51x
Kinnoull 19 69.78x
Maryhill 19 13.00x
Westgate 19 8.93x
Shoreditch London 18 1.80x
Abbey 17 6.23x
Alyth 17 60.98x
Duddingston 17 27.39x
Hackney London 17 1.31x
South Ronaldshay 17 64.69x
Coupar Angus 16 79.09x
Little Dunkeld 16 91.01x
Perth West Church 16 32.55x
St Ninians 15 17.78x
St Pancras London 15 0.81x
Alloa 14 15.15x
Kirkcaldy 14 20.66x
Newington 14 1.64x
Edinburgh Canongate 13 16.52x
Edinburgh St Stephens 13 21.36x
Hamilton 13 6.24x
Abbotshall 12 23.51x
Caputh 12 73.62x
Everton 12 1.37x
Falkirk 12 6.02x
Stirling 12 11.18x
Auchtergaven 11 63.33x
Bonhill 11 11.05x
Lambeth 11 0.55x
Aberdeen Old Machar 10 2.24x
Broughton In Salford 10 3.99x
Callander 10 58.55x
Drymen 10 87.57x
Dunning 10 77.22x
Hammersmith London 10 1.76x
Inverness 10 5.77x
Kirriemuir 10 18.95x
Westoe 10 2.57x
Blackford 9 71.09x
Chiswick 9 7.14x
Clunie 9 196.51x
Dunfermline 9 4.28x
Eastwood 9 8.17x
Hawick 9 9.62x
Perth St Pauls 9 37.52x
Poulton Cum Seacombe 9 15.36x
Scone 9 48.91x
Tynemouth 9 4.89x
Alvie 8 143.11x
Dunipace 8 53.69x
Glencorse 8 67.40x
Kirkintilloch 8 9.49x
Montrose 8 6.17x
Newton On Ayr 8 15.46x
Paisley High Church 8 5.62x
Perth Middle Church 8 20.53x
Polmont 8 25.45x
Selkirk 8 13.60x
Strichen 8 43.08x
Toxteth Park 8 0.86x

Top female names

These are the female first names most often recorded with the Gow surname in 1881. Names are not merged, so initials, variant spellings and transcription quirks can appear as separate rows.

Top male names

These are the male first names most often recorded with the Gow surname in 1881. Names are not merged, so initials, variant spellings and transcription quirks can appear as separate rows.

Name Count
John 34
William 29
James 18
George 14
Robert 14
Alexander 10
Charles 9
Thomas 9
Alfred 5
David 4
Henry 4
Daniel 3
Ernest 3
Joseph 3
Arthur 2
Harry 2
Howard 2
Leonard 2
Peter 2
Walter 2
Allen 1
Andrew 1
Dan 1
Edgar 1
Edwin 1
Egbert 1
Felix 1
Francis 1
Fred 1
Geo. 1
Hamish 1
Harold 1
Herbert 1
Horace 1
J. 1
Jacob 1
Jane 1
Joachim 1
Kenneth 1
Lawrence 1
Lemuel 1
Lincoln 1
Lockhart 1
Nouah 1
Patrick 1
Percy 1
R. 1
Samuel 1
Shaun 1
Sidney 1

FAQ

Gow surname: questions and answers

How common was the Gow surname in 1881?

In 1881, 396 people were recorded with the Gow surname. That placed it at #8,024 in the surname rankings for that year.

How common is the Gow surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 2,517 in 2016. That gives Gow a modern rank of #2,627.

What does the Gow surname mean?

A Scottish surname derived from the Gaelic word "gobha," meaning a blacksmith or metalworker.

What does the Gow map show?

The map shows local surname concentration for the selected year. Darker areas have a stronger concentration of Gow bearers relative to the surrounding population.

What records is this surname page based on?

The historical counts come from census surname records. The modern counts and neighbourhood summaries come from later surname distribution records. Counts are recorded bearers in those records, not a live estimate of everyone with the name today.