Motlow Surname History

Origins Available:
England
Ireland

Etymology of Motlow

What does the name Motlow mean?

The surname Motlow most likely began as a nickname, for someone who wore clothes that were "motley," or varied in color. However, many surnames were taken from a place where the family lived and Motley might be one such surname, taken from Motley Hill in Rainham, Kent.

Early Origins of the Motlow family

The surname Motlow was first found in Yorkshire, where the first record of the family was Thomas de Motlawe who was listed there in the Yorkshire Poll Tax Rolls of 1379. 1 The surname Motlow may be a nickname, for someone who wore clothes that were "motley," or varied in color. 2 However, many surnames were taken from a place where the family lived and Motley might be one such surname, taken from Motley Hill in Rainham, Kent.

Early History of the Motlow family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Motlow research. Another 35 words (2 lines of text) covering the years 1379, 1525 and 1600 are included under the topic Early Motlow History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Motlow Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: Motley, Mottley, Motly, Motlowe, Motlawe, Mutlowe and many more.

Early Notables of the Motlow family

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

Migration of the Motlow family to Ireland

Some of the Motlow family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 56 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 Motlow family

Some of the first settlers of this family name or some of its variants were: John Motly, who came to Virginia 1637. In 1664; Kath Motly also came to Virginia. Robert Motley and Mary Motley both came to Maryland in 1674 and 1678.

Sources +

Bardsley, C.W, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames: With Special American Instances. Wiltshire: Heraldry Today, 1901. Print. (ISBN 0-900455-44-6)
Lower, Mark Anthony, Patronymica Britannica, A Dictionary of Family Names of the United Kingdom. London: John Russel Smith, 1860. Print.