Show ContentsDorrow History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Etymology of Dorrow

What does the name Dorrow mean?

The Dorrow family name was first used by descendants of the Pictish people of ancient Scotland. It is a name for someone who lived in Darroch in Stirlinghsire. The name could also be derived a form of the lost name MacDara which meant son of oak and others believe the name is from Dath riabhach. Literally, the name comes from the Gaelic "darach" which means "oak tree."

Early Origins of the Dorrow family

The surname Dorrow was first found in Stirlingshire, where one of the first records of the family was John Darach who was bailie of Stirling in 1406. "John Darach de Cruce mentioned in 1445 may be John Darraugh, commissioner for the burgh of Stirling in 1450. Jonete Daroch is in record in 1458, and Mariote Darrauch appears as nurse of the Lady Margaret, second daughter of James II., 1462." 1

Early History of the Dorrow family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Dorrow research. Another 396 words (28 lines of text) covering the years 1301, 1406, 1462, 1471, 1477, 1482, 1500, 1505, 1522, 1525, 1545, 1550, 1574, 1608, 1620, 1629, 1632, 1684, 1784 and 1890 are included under the topic Early Dorrow History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Dorrow Spelling Variations

Scribes in the Middle Ages did not have access to a set of spelling rules. They spelled according to sound, the result was a great number of spelling variations. In various documents, Dorrow has been spelled Darroch, Darrow, Darrach, Daroch, Darach, Darragh, Darrogh, Darrioch, Darraugh, Darrough and many more.

Early Notables of the Dorrow family

Another 34 words (2 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Dorrow Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Dorrow family to Ireland

Some of the Dorrow family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 58 words (4 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Dorrow family

The cruelties suffered under the new government forced many to leave their ancient homeland for the freedom of the North American colonies. Those who arrived safely found land, freedom, and opportunity for the taking. These hardy settlers gave their strength and perseverance to the young nations that would become the United States and Canada. Immigration and passenger lists have shown many early immigrants bearing the name Dorrow: Anne Darrow, who arrived in Virginia in 1652; Jane Darrow, who came to Barbados in 1660; Sgt. George Darrow (b. circa 1652 in Scotland), who was on record in New London, Connecticut, in 1675.



The Dorrow Motto +

The motto was originally a war cry or slogan. Mottoes first began to be shown with arms in the 14th and 15th centuries, but were not in general use until the 17th century. Thus the oldest coats of arms generally do not include a motto. Mottoes seldom form part of the grant of arms: Under most heraldic authorities, a motto is an optional component of the coat of arms, and can be added to or changed at will; many families have chosen not to display a motto.

Motto: Be Watchful


  1. Black, George F., The Surnames of Scotland Their Origin, Meaning and History. New York: New York Public Library, 1946. Print. (ISBN 0-87104-172-3)


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