Outlaw

The surname Outlaw has its origins in England, dating back to the Middle Ages. It is believed to have derived from the Old English words "ut" and "lagu," which together meant "outside the law." This suggests that the name may have originally referred to individuals who lived outside the established legal system or were considered outlaws.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Outlaw can be found in the Domesday Book of 1086, which was a comprehensive survey of land ownership and taxation in England commissioned by William the Conqueror. The entry mentions an individual named Outlau, likely referring to someone who lived on the fringes of society.

During the medieval period, the name Outlaw was primarily concentrated in the northern regions of England, particularly in Yorkshire and Northumberland. These areas were known for their rugged terrain and remote settlements, which may have provided a safe haven for those seeking to evade the authorities.

In the 13th century, there are records of a family named Outlaw residing in the village of Outlaw, located near the town of Wakefield in West Yorkshire. This place name is thought to have been derived from the surname, suggesting that the family had established a significant presence in the area.

One notable figure bearing the Outlaw surname was Sir William Outlaw (c. 1450-1519), a wealthy merchant and landowner from Yorkshire. He served as the Lord Mayor of York in 1507 and was a prominent figure in the city's civic affairs.

Another individual of note was Robert Outlaw (c. 1570-1635), an English clergyman and academic who served as the Archdeacon of Leicester and later became the President of Corpus Christi College, Oxford.

In the 17th century, the Outlaw family had established itself in the American colonies, with records indicating the presence of individuals with this surname in Virginia and Maryland. One such person was Henry Outlaw (c. 1640-1709), a planter and landowner in Virginia.

During the 18th century, the Outlaw surname continued to be found in various parts of England, with families residing in counties such as Hertfordshire, Warwickshire, and Gloucestershire. Notable individuals from this period include John Outlaw (1719-1782), a wealthy merchant and landowner from Hertfordshire.

In the 19th century, the Outlaw name gained prominence in the field of literature with the English author Walter Outlaw (1833-1909), who wrote several novels and short stories focused on the themes of adventure and exploration.