Lowe

Lowe is a surname of English origin and also appears in place names. It is used as a toponymic element in various geographic names and can be found in English-speaking countries around the world.

The surname Lowe is thought to originate as a topographic or habitational name, derived from Middle English or Old English terms referring to a hill, knoll, or mound, or from a place name incorporating such a feature. Variants include Low and Loe, and the name is widespread due to historical migration and settlement.

Notable individuals with the surname include Rob Lowe, an American actor with a prominent career in film and television since the 1980s. The name has appeared across fields such as politics, sports, and the arts.

Geographically, there are locations named Lowe in the United Kingdom and North America, typically small settlements or geographic features that contributed to the spread of the name.

In commerce, Lowe appears in company names, most famously in Lowe's, a major American home improvement retailer. The brand uses the possessive form and is distinct from the surname, though it shares the same etymological root.

Related spellings and topics include Low, Loe, and Lowe’s.