The name Frow is of
Anglo-Saxon origin. It was name for a person who was referred to as
the fry, which literally means
free. It has also been suggested that Frow comes from the Middle English word
fry, meaning "small person," or "child." In either instance, the origins of the name are as a
nickname which referred to characteristics of the first person who used the name.
Early Origins of the Frow family
The surname Frow was first found in
Wiltshire where they held a
family seat from very early times.
Early History of the Frow family
This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Frow research.
Another 320 words (23 lines of text) covering the years 1273, 1307, 1312, 1461, 1426, 1448, 1474, 1609, 1657, 1666, 1748, 1777, 1861, 1780 and 1845 are included under the topic Early Frow History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Frow Spelling Variations
Spelling variations in names were a common occurrence before English spelling was standardized a few
hundred years ago. In the Middle Ages, even the literate spelled their names differently as the English language incorporated elements of French, Latin, and other European languages. Many variations of the name Frow have been found, including Fry, Frye, Free and others.
Early Notables of the Frow family (pre 1700)
Notables of the family at this time include Sir John Fray (died 1461), an English lawyer who served as
Baron of the Exchequer from 1426 and Lord Chief
Baron of the Exchequer in 1448; Walter Frye
(c. died 1474), an English composer of the early Renaissance; John Fry (1609-1657), Member of...
Another 63 words (4 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Frow Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Migration of the Frow family to Ireland
Some of the Frow family moved to
Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 92 words (7 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 Frow family to the New World and Oceana
Families began migrating abroad in enormous numbers because of the political and religious discontent in
England. Often faced with persecution and starvation in
England, the possibilities of the New World attracted many English people. Although the ocean trips took many lives, those who did get to North America were instrumental in building the necessary groundwork for what would become powerful new nations. Among early immigrants of the Frow surname to cross the Atlantic and come to North America were: John Frie, who settled in New
England in 1638; George Frie, who settled in St. Christopher in 1635; Jacob Frie, who settled in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1739.