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The Glasgow Surname Project

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Surnames/tags: Glasgow Glasco Glasford
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Contents

Introduction

The Glasgow surname, originating in 13th century Scotland, has a complex history that spans centuries and continents. This project summary explores the name's origins, notable bearers, and historical contexts, drawing from extensive research and diverse sources. This page aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the Glasgow surname's development and significance, serving as a resource for genealogists, historians, and those interested in Scottish heritage.

Ancient Origins

While the Glasgow surname emerged in medieval Scotland, its genetic lineage traces back to ancient times. This section explores the deep ancestral roots of the Glasgow family.

The Glasgow Ancient YDNA page provides an overview of the family's ancestral origins from 3000 BCE to 1450 CE. This timeline encompasses major migrations and genetic mutations that shaped the Glasgow lineage.

Estimated migration pathway of Glasgow ancestors (Generated using scaledinnovation)

For genetic information from 1450 CE onwards, refer to the Glasgow Modern DNA page.

Origins (1259 x 1419)

The earliest documented occurrence of the Glasgow surname is associated with John de Glasgu (1259). He served as the chaplain for Bishop Gamelin. This association is evidenced by historical documents from 1258, specifically from the Charter Book of the Priory of St. Andrew's, during the reign of King Alexander III over Scotland from 1249 to 1286[1][2][3].

Bishop Gamelin was a significant figure in the Scottish church and politics during the mid-13th century. He served as the Bishop of St Andrews from 1255 to 1271 and was a close advisor to King Alexander III. Gamelin's influence extended across various ecclesiastical and political spheres, making his household a center of power and patronage.

The lineage of Glasgow and its connection to subsequent namesakes over the ensuing decades remains ambiguous. However, several individuals bearing the Glasgow name appear in records:

  • In 1289, Andrew de Glasgow, an official within the burgh, was designated to oversee and report "escheats" or forfeitures within the county to the Exchequer[4].
  • (1287 x 1289) John of Glasgow emerged as a monk of Holyrood [5]
  • In 1343, a John de Glasgu was compensated for services rendered to the king's table[6].
  • Master John de Glasgow (c. 1340 – before 1419), Vicar of St. Mary’s, Canon of Moray was an influential cleric in the Scottish church. Renowned for his academic achievements and ecclesiastical roles, his career intersected with prominent religious and political figures. He held multiple church positions, often moving between them through petitions to the papacy. His lasting contributions to the religious landscape of Scotland marked him as a key figure in church history during this period.

For more information please see the Glasgow Origins Research page


Glasgow Family Memorials

Given the recurring clerical positions held by individuals bearing the Glasgow surname, particularly within the realms of Kilwinning and Kelso, it's plausible that the Glasgow surname originated from Latinized Tironensian monks who later ascended to chaplaincy and cardinal positions within Glasgow's religious establishment. The Glasgow family memorials are among the few remnants still intact at the ruins of Kilwinning Abbey.

For more information see the Glasgow Surname Origins page.

Glasgow (1450–1605)

Determining the exact population of Glasgow in the 1450s is challenging due to the lack of detailed records. However, estimates suggest that it was a relatively small settlement, with a population likely between 1,500 and 2,000.

During this period, Glasgow was a modest town centered around its cathedral and ecclesiastical lands.

The Glasgow surname first appears in local records, with no individuals bearing the name recorded outside the city until George Glasgow (1605–).

The earliest traces of the Glasgow surname are found in The Protocols of the Town Clerks of Glasgow, which provides evidence of the name passing through generations.

  • (1536–1575): John Glasgow married Jonet Spreull, from the influential Spreull family of Cowden. They had at least two children.
    • (1550–1598): Stephen Glasgow was elected water bailie, with the condition that he could be removed from office if found negligent in fulfilling his duties or failing to uphold established statutes.
  • (1550–1568): Robert Glasgow is recorded as a fisherman alongside John.
  • (1536–1585): William Glasgow married Margaret Herbesoun.

For a deeper exploration of these relationships, see the profile of John Glasgow (abt. 1500–).

Ayrshire (1571 x 1800)

The Ayrshire Crossroads page provides deeper insights into the migration to Ayrshire, primarily the religious houses of Kilwinning & Kilbirnie.


The Glasgow and Cunninghame families, along with their connections to the Earls of Glencairn, were influential in the history of Ayrshire and Scotland from the medieval period through the 18th century. The relationships between these families, particularly through strategic marriages, reflect the complex power dynamics and changing allegiances in Scottish society during this time.

Intermarriage between prominent families was a common practice in Scottish society during this period. These strategic unions were often arranged to strengthen political, economic, and social ties between families. By marrying into each other's families, the Glasgows and Cunninghames were likely seeking to consolidate their power, expand their influence, and protect their shared interests. Such alliances could provide mutual support, shared resources, and a united front in the face of political and social challenges.

In the 16th century, the Cunninghames were embroiled in the notorious feud with the Montgomerys, a power struggle that exemplifies the turbulent nature of Scottish noble families during this period. This feud, culminating in events such as the murder of Hugh Montgomery, 4th Earl of Eglinton in 1586, highlights the lethal extents to which these families went to assert their dominance and protect their interests. The Cunninghames' involvement in the assassination, followed by a brutal cycle of revenge, underscores the violent dynamics of Scottish noble relations and the precarious balance of power in Ayrshire

The fact that the Glasgow surname thrived in both Kilwinning and Kelso despite this conflict suggests that they may have played a role in mediating or navigating these tensions, possibly through their monastic connections.

The Cunninghame family's significant role in the religious transformations of Scotland, particularly during the Reformation, is another critical aspect of their history. The 5th Earl of Glencairn, a staunch Protestant reformer and a patron of John Knox, actively opposed Mary Queen of Scots, aligning the family with key historical movements that reshaped Scotland's religious landscape.

The repeated intermarriages over several centuries suggest that the alliance was successful in achieving these goals and that the families valued the benefits of their ongoing connection. There are at least an additional three marriages to the Cunninghame line over the next 100 years.

Midlothian

Before the first recorded birth in Midlothian (George Glasgow (1605–)), several Glasgows appear in the area as adults in various records.

Later records show more Glasgows in:

Exodus

Covenanters

The Covenanters were a 17th-century Scottish Presbyterian movement that advocated for strict adherence to Calvinist principles and opposed any interference by the monarchy in church affairs. They played a key role in the War of the Three Kingdoms and the English Civil War, effectively governing Scotland for a time before facing repression from successive monarchs.

The Covenanters believed in the supremacy of Christ over the Church and rejected the idea that monarchs had the Divine Right to lead the Church. This brought them into conflict with kings such as Charles I, Charles II, and James VII, who sought to assert control over the Scottish kirk.

  • In 1638, the National Covenant was signed by thousands of Scots, marking the start of resistance to Charles I's religious reforms. Following victories in the Bishops' Wars of 1639 and 1640, the Covenanters seized control of Scotland.
  • The Restoration of Charles II in 1660 began a period of intense persecution of the Covenanters, culminating in the grim era from 1679 to 1688, often called "The Killing Time". During this time, armed rebellions erupted as Covenanters resisted royal authority.

It is during this period that the earliest known ancestor for many Glasgow families living outside of Scotland can be traced.

In a tragic event in 1679, the ship Croune of London, carrying 257 Covenanter prisoners bound for the American Plantations, was shipwrecked. Among the survivors were John Glasgow (abt.1650-) and William Glasgow (bef.1658-) from Cavers, Roxburghshire parish.[7]

Another notable figure, William (Glasgow) Glass (1786-1853), believed to have changed his name to avoid persecution, pioneered a settlement that became Edinburgh of the Seven Seas, the remotest community in the world. His legacy continues to shape the communal culture and laws of Tristan da Cunha, promoting equality and shared resources.

Despite the intense persecution faced by some Glasgow family members, others maintained their ties to the Cunninghame family through strategic marriages. This indicates that not all members of the Glasgow family were uniformly aligned with the Covenanter cause. Some prioritized their social and political standing, while others endured persecution for their religious beliefs.

The Cunninghame family itself was divided in its allegiances. Some members, such as the Earls of Glencairn, supported the Stuart monarchy, while others, like the 5th Earl, were proponents of the Protestant Reformation in Scotland.

An example of this nuanced position is found in the life of John Glasgow, who served as Minister of Kilbirnie from 1688 to 1721, a period spanning the Glorious Revolution and the establishment of Presbyterian supremacy in Scotland. His leadership during this time suggests he may have sought a moderate approach to the religious and political divisions of the era.

Ireland

The Glasgow surname has deep roots in Ireland, particularly in County Antrim, where the family's involvement in the church can be traced back to some of the earliest known Glasgows in the region. This mirrors the family’s long-standing association with religious institutions in Scotland, such as the Tironensian abbeys of Kilwinning and Kelso.

Some of the earliest Glasgow's recorded in Ireland include


By 1890, a birth census shows a population of 312-314 individuals bearing the Glasgow surname, concentrated exclusively in Ulster, particularly across the counties of Tyrone, Antrim, and Armagh.[8] [9]

Another notable family story involves William Glasgow (abt.1655-) and his descendants, as chronicled in the History of the Glasgow Family by William Melanchthon Glasgow (1856-1909). A claim within this history suggests that the original Glasgow name may have been "Cameron," though this appears more connected to the Cameronian Regiment than to an actual surname change. This regiment, named after the Covenanter leader Richard Cameron, was formed in 1689 from Covenanters resisting Stuart imposition of Episcopal church governance over Scottish Presbyterians. The regiment’s involvement in the Battle of Dunkeld reflects the deep religious and political struggles associated with the Glasgow family history.

The Glasgows were leaders in the church, economy, and politics of County Antrim. For instance, James3 Glasgow and his wife Mary emigrated to South Carolina in the 1770s, marking a significant chapter in the family’s history as they sought new opportunities in America, while still maintaining their Irish and Scottish roots.

For more information, see the GLASGOW surname maps of Ireland (1901): [10]

American Settlers

New Zealand Settlers

  • Adam Glasgow, who landed in Turakina, New Zealand in 1840
  • John Glasgow, who landed in Wellington, New Zealand in 1840
  • Robert Glasgow, who landed in Wellington, New Zealand in 1840
  • Robert Glasgow, who arrived in Nelson, New Zealand aboard the ship "Bombay" in1842
  • Miss Jean Glasgow, Scottish settler from Tillicoultry travelling from Glasgow aboardthe ship "Strathfieldsaye" arriving in Port Chalmers, Dunedin, Otago, South Island,New Zealand on 29th April 1858 [18]
  • Mr. D. Glasgow, British settler travelling from London aboard the ship "DerwentWater" arriving in Lyttelton, Canterbury, New Zealand on 26th November 1861 [19]
  • Mrs. Glasgow, British settler travelling from London with 4 children aboard the ship"Derwent Water" arriving in Lyttelton, Canterbury, New Zealand on 26th November 1861 [20]
  • Robert Glasgow, who arrived in Auckland, New Zealand aboard the ship "Empress"in 1865
  • Ann Glasgow, who arrived in Auckland, New Zealand aboard the ship "Empress" in1865
  • William James Glasgow (abt.1832-1886), who arrived in Auckland, New Zealand aboard the ship "Empress"in 1865
  • Samuel Glasgow, who arrived in Auckland, New Zealand aboard the ship "Empress"in 1865
  • Sarah Glasgow, who arrived in Auckland, New Zealand aboard the ship "Empress" in1865

Notables

Frequency

Year Location Frequency Notes
1831 Irish Census 2
1841 UK Census 327
1851 UK Census 303
1851 Irish Census 135
1861 UK Census 138 Reduction due to 1853-1854 Cholera Epidemic?
1881 Lanarks & Midlothian 654 Oxford Dictionary of Family Names in Britain and Ireland
1901 Irish Census 262
1911 Irish Census 251
1921 UK Census 530
2010 US 9,078 Newsday
2014 US 12,732
2014 England 1631
2014 Scotland 734
2014 Ireland 503
2020 FamilySearch 19,037 FamilySearch
2020 WikiTree 933 Glasgow Surname Index
2020 Geneanet 16,547 Geneanet
2022 Great Britain 1648
2022 Ireland 312
2024 WikiTree 2,768
2024 FamilySearch Records 15,549

geneanet stats

Supplementary Pages

References

  1. ↑ https://www.electricscotland.com/history/scotland/history2s.pdf
  2. ↑ https://1.droppdf.com/files/WiaFG/in-the-footsteps-of-william-wallace-alan-young.pdf
  3. ↑ https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-pat-rolls/hen3/vol2/pp209-224
  4. ↑ (ER., I, p. 47)
  5. ↑ (Bain, II, 1052). https://poms.ac.uk/record/person/14528/
  6. ↑ (ER., I, p. 531) https://www.poms.ac.uk/record/person/14528/
  7. ↑ William Glasgow, The History of the Reformed Presbyterian Church in America, with Sketches of all her Ministry, Congregations, Missions, Institutions, Publications, etc. (Baltimore: Hill & Harvey, Publishers, 1888), 245.
  8. ↑ Hanna, Charles Augustus, The Scotch-Irish: Or, the Scot in North Britain, North Ireland, and North America, Baltimore: Genealogical Publishing Company, 2005. Print (ISBN 9780806301686)
  9. ↑ Oxford Dictionary of Family Names in Britain and Ireland
  10. ↑ https://www.barrygriffin.com/surname-maps/irish/GLASGOW/
  11. ↑ Filby, P. William, Meyer, Mary K., Passenger and immigration lists index : a guide to published arrivalrecords of about 500,000 passengers who came to the United States and Canada in the seventeenth,eighteenth, and nineteenth centuries. 1982-1985 Cumulated Supplements in Four Volumes Detroit, Mich. :Gale Research Co., 1985, Print (ISBN 0-8103-1795-8)
  12. ↑ Filby, P. William, Meyer, Mary K., Passenger and immigration lists index : a guide to published arrivalrecords of about 500,000 passengers who came to the United States and Canada in the seventeenth,eighteenth, and nineteenth centuries. 1982-1985 Cumulated Supplements in Four Volumes Detroit, Mich. :Gale Research Co., 1985, Print (ISBN 0-8103-1795-8)
  13. ↑ Filby, P. William, Meyer, Mary K., Passenger and immigration lists index : a guide to published arrivalrecords of about 500,000 passengers who came to the United States and Canada in the seventeenth,eighteenth, and nineteenth centuries. 1982-1985 Cumulated Supplements in Four Volumes Detroit, Mich. :Gale Research Co., 1985, Print (ISBN 0-8103-1795-8)
  14. ↑ Filby, P. William, Meyer, Mary K., Passenger and immigration lists index : a guide to published arrivalrecords of about 500,000 passengers who came to the United States and Canada in the seventeenth,eighteenth, and nineteenth centuries. 1982-1985 Cumulated Supplements in Four Volumes Detroit, Mich. :Gale Research Co., 1985, Print (ISBN 0-8103-1795-8)
  15. ↑ Filby, P. William, Meyer, Mary K., Passenger and immigration lists index : a guide to published arrivalrecords of about 500,000 passengers who came to the United States and Canada in the seventeenth,eighteenth, and nineteenth centuries. 1982-1985 Cumulated Supplements in Four Volumes Detroit, Mich. :Gale Research Co., 1985, Print (ISBN 0-8103-1795-8)
  16. ↑ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agnes_of_Glasgow
  17. ↑ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maude_Glasgow
  18. ↑ New Zealand Yesteryears Passenger Lists 1800 to 1900 (Retrieved 26th March 2019). Retrieved fromhttp://www.yesteryears.co.nz/shipping/passlist.html
  19. ↑ New Zealand Yesteryears Passenger Lists 1800 to 1900 (Retrieved 17th October 2018). Retrieved fromhttp://www.yesteryears.co.nz/shipping/passlist.htm
  20. ↑ New Zealand Yesteryears Passenger Lists 1800 to 1900 (Retrieved 17th October 2018). Retrieved fromhttp://www.yesteryears.co.nz/shipping/passlist.htm




Images: 5
Glasgow Name Study Image 3
Glasgow Name Study Image 3
Glasgow Tartan
Glasgow Tartan
The Glasgow family memorials at Kilwinning Abbey.
The Glasgow family memorials at Kilwinning Abbey.
Glasgow Family ruins at Kilwinning Abbey
Glasgow Family ruins at Kilwinning Abbey
Mindmap of earliest Glasgow records
Mindmap of earliest Glasgow records
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