Show ContentsKilow History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Early Origins of the Kilow family

The surname Kilow was first found in Cornwall where they held a family seat as Lords of the Manor of Lansallos. Here at Great Killiow, which was a seat of the Killiows, who became extinct in 1711 was passed to F. W. Buller, Esq. 1

Early History of the Kilow family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Kilow research. Another 133 words (10 lines of text) covering the years 1079, 1142, 1149, 1510 and 1600 are included under the topic Early Kilow History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Kilow Spelling Variations

Cornish surnames are characterized by a multitude of spelling variations. The frequent changes in surnames are due to the fact that the Old and Middle English languages lacked definite spelling rules. The official court languages, which were Latin and French, were also influential on the spelling of a surname. Since the spelling of surnames was rarely consistent in medieval times, and scribes and church officials recorded names as they sounded rather than adhering to any specific spelling rules, it was common to find the same individual referred to with different spellings of their surname in the ancient chronicles. Moreover, a large number of foreign names were brought into England, which accelerated and accentuated the alterations to the spelling of various surnames. Lastly, spelling variations often resulted from the linguistic differences between the people of Cornwall and the rest of England. The Cornish spoke a unique Brythonic Celtic language which was first recorded in written documents during the 10th century. However, they became increasingly Anglicized, and Cornish became extinct as a spoken language in 1777, although it has been revived by Cornish patriots in the modern era. The name has been spelled Killiowe, Killow, Killowe, Kilowe, Kilow, Kiliowe and others.

Early Notables of the Kilow family

More information is included under the topic Early Kilow Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Kilow family

The records on immigrants and ships' passengers show a number of people bearing the name Kilow: May Christopher Killiowe, who arrived in Boston in 1693.



  1. Hutchins, Fortescue, The History of Cornwall, from the Earliest Records and Traditions to the Present Time. London: William Penaluna, 1824. Print


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