Pillow

The surname PILLOW is believed to have originated in England during the late medieval period, specifically in the county of Gloucestershire. It is derived from the Old English word "pyle," meaning a bolster or cushion, combined with the suffix "-ow," indicating a location or place.

One of the earliest recorded mentions of the PILLOW name can be found in the Subsidy Rolls of Gloucestershire from 1327, where it appears as "William atte Pylowe." This entry suggests that the name may have originated as a descriptive nickname or as a reference to a specific location associated with pillows or cushions.

During the 14th and 15th centuries, the PILLOW surname appeared in various documents and records across the West Country region of England, particularly in Somerset, Wiltshire, and Dorset. It was often spelled in different variations, such as "Pylow," "Pylowe," and "Pylough," reflecting the phonetic spelling practices of the time.

In the 16th century, the PILLOW surname began to spread more widely across England. One notable figure bearing this name was John Pillow, a Protestant martyr who was burned at the stake in Tunbridge, Kent, in 1557 during the Marian Persecutions under Queen Mary I.

The PILLOW surname also has a connection to place names. In the parish of Stoke Gifford, Gloucestershire, there is a location known as "Pillow Green," which may have been derived from the surname or vice versa.

Throughout history, several individuals with the PILLOW surname have achieved notable recognition. One example is Gideon Pillow (1806-1886), an American military officer who served in the Mexican-American War and later as a Confederate general during the American Civil War.

Another prominent figure was Jeremiah Pillow (1827-1898), an American politician and lawyer from Tennessee who served as a Confederate colonel during the Civil War and later as a member of the United States House of Representatives.

In the 19th century, William Pillow (1830-1901) was a British artist and portrait painter who exhibited his works at the Royal Academy and other prestigious galleries in London.

More recently, Mary Pillow Cook (1904-1984) was an American author and educator known for her children's books and her work in promoting literacy and education.

Finally, Willard Roscoe Pillow (1908-1987) was an American businessman and philanthropist who co-founded the Pillow Supply Company, a successful bedding and textile manufacturing company based in Memphis, Tennessee.