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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 has a rich and complex history, with roots stretching back to the 13th century in Scotland. This project summary page explores the various origins, notable figures, and historical contexts associated with the Glasgow surname, drawing upon extensive research and a wide range of sources. By delving into the surname's ties to religious institutions, noble families, and geographical regions, this page aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of its development and significance over time.

Ancient Origins

May as well start at the beginning, Y-ADAM. The Glasgow Ancient YDNA page gives an overview of the ancestrial origins of the Glasgow's between 3000BC and 1450CE.

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The House of Walter

The earliest documented occurrence of the Glasgow surname is associated with Master John de Glasgu (1258). He served as the chaplain for Bishop Gamelin and was "a member of the household of Walter, commonly called cardinal of Glasgow". This association is evidenced by historical documents from 1258, specifically from the Charter Book of the Priory of St. Andrew's, during the reign of King Alexander III over Scotland from 1249 to 1286[1][2][3]. This is possibly the same person as Master John, who is listed as Gamelins brother[4][5][6]. He appears as a witness to one of his acts as bishop of St Andrews. [7][8][9][10]

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. Master John de Glasgu's position as Gamelin's chaplain and a member of the "House of Walter" suggests that he was a trusted figure within this influential circle.

The lineage of Glasgow and its connection to subsequent namesakes over the ensuing decades remains ambiguous, however, the scope of Gamelin's influence and political dynamics during that era provide a contextual framework for further exploration.

  • 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[11].
  • By 1299, another John of Glasgow emerged as a monk of Holyrood (Bain, II, 1052).
  • In 1343, John de Glasgu was compensated for services rendered to the king's table (ER., I, p. 531)[12].

There's speculation that the John mentioned above may align with Master John de Glasgow (1379 - 1419), who held notable religious positions such as the Vicar of St. Mary's (Kilwinning) and Canon of Moray, and was recognized as a member of Walter's household once more.

Intriguingly, a 1413 petition to the Pope recounts a tale of John Lang despoiling John (1379 x 1419) of his canonry at Dunkeld, hinting at the enduring influence of the House of Walter during this period[13]. Fast forward to 1475-1479, Bishop John [Laing] of Glasgow received a charter from King James III, endorsing the religious authority over the city, barony, and lands of Glasgow[14].

Moving to the period between 1384 and 1394, William de Glasgu, a priest, was bestowed with ecclesiastical responsibilities over the abbot and convent of Kilwinning & Kelso in 1394[15]. His alternative names, Wan, Wau, or Walteri, and his association with St. Mary's chapel link him to John de Glasgow (1379 - 1419) and the enduring legacy of the House of Walter.

The House of Walter denotes a recurrent theme in the Glasgow heritage records pre-1419, hinting at a lineage or discipleship traceable to Walter Capellanus (meaning "chaplain") who is contemporarily mentioned with Johnne (1258 x 1258). For more information see the Glasgow Surname Origins page

Given the recurring clerical positions held by individuals bearing the Glasgow surname, particularly within the ecclesiastical 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.

Glasgow Family Memorials

Kilwinning Abbey and Kelso Abbey are underscored as significant in the Glasgow surname's history. John de Glasgu (1258 x 1258) is believed to have hailed from Kelso, and the Glasgow family remained notable figures in Kilwinning until the late 18th century. The Glasgow family memorials are among the few remnants still intact at the ruins of Kilwinning Abbey.

At some time in the 12th Century, the building of Kilwinning Abbey was commissioned by an Anglo-Norman family of de Morville. Unfortunately, the charter, or cartulary of the Abbey has been lost, so we have no accurate date for this. Some historians place it as early as 1140, while others say 1191. Even the name of the original founder is not settled, and historians still argue whether it was Hugh or Richard de Morville, Lord of Cunningham.

The Abbot of Kilwinning (later Commendator of Kilwinning) was the head of the Tironensian monastic community and lands of Kilwinning Abbey, Cunningham (now in North Ayrshire)

Kilwinning Abbey, a Tironensian monastery, was founded in the 12th century and became a major religious center in the west of Scotland. It had close ties to the Glasgow diocese and the Tironensian order, which originated in France. Kelso Abbey, another Tironensian institution, was founded in 1128 and had a significant influence on the religious life of the Scottish Borders. The recurring mentions of Kilwinning and Kelso in relation to the Glasgow surname suggest a strong connection between the family and these important Tironensian establishments.

Kilwinning Abbey is one of the most poorly documented of the 50 or so religious houses in Scotland. The cartulary (original charter) of Kilwinning Abbey has not survived in any form, and historians have suggested that any records may be in the Sorbonne or the Scots College at Douai.

I have searched the book The Abbey of Kilwinning, for reference to Glasgow and I have found this: A telling instance of how unsettled these times were, though there may be some degree of exaggeration, is a letter of 1329 from Pope John XXII to the Apostolic See in Scotland, "bearing that Robert, Bishop of Glasgow, considering the state of the monastery of St. Mary and St. Wynnin of Kilwinning, on account of losses by frequent inroads of enemies, and that the churches of the monastery were destroyed and their possessions and rents diminished, the abbot and convent reduced to such a state of want and poverty that they had not sufficient rents to maintain them in a suitable manner: And the said Bishop taking compassion on their case granted them forever the vicarages of Kilmarnock and Beith, gifting them to the said abbot and convent, for their maintenance and that of the poor living there". These appeals were part of a series of communications with the Popes, then resident from 1309 to 1377 at Avignon in France, and were in effect confirmations that the Papacy approved of what was being done.

The Earls of Glencairn, head of the Cunninghame family, had a long-standing feud with the Earls of Eglinton (Montgomeries) which is well documented.

The Glasgow name continued to thrive in both Kilwinning and Kelso. For more details, refer to the The Cunninghame Alliance section.

The Clerks of Glasgow

In the document, The Protocols of The Town Clerks of Glasgow, the first tangible traces of the Glasgow surname are recorded along with evidence of the name being inherited through generations.

  • (1536 x 1575) John Glasgow marries Jonet Spreull, a member of the prominent Spreull family of Cowden, and has at least two children.
    • (1550 x 1598) Stephen Glasgow was elected water bailie from a leet of two, subject to the curious declaration that if he were found culpable and negligent in his duties, not keeping the statutes set down for that effect, he should be immediately deprived of his office.
  • (1550 x 1568) Robert Glasgow appears as a fisher alongside him
  • (1536 x 1585) William Glasgow & Margaret Herbesoun
Protocols of the Town Clerks records

These relationships can be explored further on John Glasgow (abt.1500-).

The Cunninghame Alliance

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.

Exodus

Covenanters

The Covenanters were a 17th Century Scottish Presbyterian Christian sect. They were evangelical and militaristic, effectively governing Scotland for a time during the War of the Three Kingdoms. They also fought in the English Civil war, where they were defeated by the New Model Army of Oliver Cromwell.

The Covenanters did not recognise the Divine Right of monarchs to lead the Church, only Jesus. This caused them to fall foul of a succession of Kings – Charles I, Charles II, and James VII, who all tried to suppress their religious and rebellious activities.

  • In 1638, the National Covenant is signed by thousands of Scots, initiating a resistance against Charles's alterations to the kirk. Following victories in the 1639 and 1640 Bishops' Wars, the Covenanters seize control of Scotland.
  • The Restoration of 1660 heralds a dark period for the Covenanters, who lose control of the kirk and endure persecution, spurring armed rebellions and ushering in a grim epoch from 1679 to 1688, known as "The Killing Time".

It is this period that marks the earliest know ancestor for many Glasgow family's living outside Scotland.

In a harrowing event of 1679, The Croune of London is shipwrecked with 257 prisoners aboard, destined for banishment to the American Plantations. Amidst the survivors were John Glasgow (abt.1650-) and William Glasgow (bef.1658-) from Cavers, Roxburghshire parish.[16]

William (Glasgow) Glass (1786-1853), who likely changed his name to avoid being identified as a Glasgow, pioneers the settlement that evolves into Edinburgh of the Seven Seas, the remotest community in the world. The rules he established remain the societal cornerstone in Tristan da Cunha today, fostering communal unity, equitable employment opportunities, and a culture of shared resources.

Read more on the Glasgow Surname in the Scottish Borders Research Page

Despite the persecution faced by some members of the Glasgow family during this time, others maintained their connections to the Cunninghame family through strategic marriages. This suggests that the Glasgow family's allegiances were not monolithic, with some members prioritizing their religious convictions and facing persecution, while others sought to maintain their social and political connections.

It is important to note that the Cunninghame family itself was not monolithic in its allegiances. While some members, such as the Earls of Glencairn, were known for their support of the Stuart monarchy, others may have had more diverse views. The 5th Earl of Glencairn, for example, was a prominent supporter of the Protestant Reformation in Scotland.

The fact that John Glasgow served as the Minister of Kilbirnie from 1688 to 1721, a period that includes the Glorious Revolution and the establishment of Presbyterian supremacy in Scotland, suggests that he may have had a more moderate or conciliatory approach to the religious and political divisions of the time.


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 the earliest known Glasgows in the area. This mirrors the family's long-standing association with religious institutions in Scotland, such as the Tironensian abbeys of Kilwinning and Kelso.

James Glasgow (abt.1650-1727) and John Glasgow (abt.1650-) recorded in the 1669 Hearth Money Rolls for Kilwaughter Parish, were active in the local church for many years. The name appears as "Glascho," reflecting Gaelic influence. The 1700 Larne Meeting House minutes mention James Glasgow1, John Glasgow1, sen., and Robert Glasgow1.

In the early 1700s, the Glasgows held prominent roles in the Larne/Kilwaughter Presbyterian Church:

  • James Glasgow2, likely James1's son, married Sara Muray there in 1727. They had four children between 1728-1740.
  • Robert Glasgow2 (b. ca 1710) married Rachel Willson in 1729. He was an elder from 1731 and later the treasurer. Their children baptized in the 1730s included James3, Ann Taggard, and Rachel.
  • Hugh Glasgow2 (b. 1705), possibly Robert2's brother, became an elder in 1741. His children with wife Jane were also baptized there.

The next generation made their mark:

  • In the 1760s-70s, James4 Glasgow had a ropemaking business in Larne.
  • William3 Glasgow (b. 1763) was a ship captain.

Fast forwarding to 1890, a birth census unfolds the Scottish familial roots in Ireland, indicating a population of 312-314 individuals bearing the Glasgow surname, residing exclusively in the Ulster province. This geographic concentration spans across Tyrone, Antrim, and Armagh counties.[17] [18]

The narrative extends with William Glasgow (abt.1655-) and his progeny in Ireland, as chronicled in the History of the Glasgow Family by William Melanchthon Glasgow (1856-1909). A curious claim within posits the original Glasgow name as 'Cameron', though a deeper delve suggests a connection to the Cameronian Regiment rather than a direct surname lineage. Established on 14th May 1689 in Douglas Lanarkshire from Covenanters' ranks, this regiment—named after notable Covenanter Richard Cameron—reflects the staunch resistance against the Stuart kings' Episcopal church governance imposition over Scottish Presbyterians. This historical tapestry of religious and political struggle, epitomized in the Dunkeld battle merely three months post-regiment formation, entwines with the Glasgow surname narrative, offering a rich backdrop for its Irish and Scottish chronicles.

The Glasgows were leaders in the church, economy, and politics of County Antrim. James3 and Mary's move to South Carolina in the 1770s marked a key point in the family's story as they sought new opportunities in America while maintaining their Irish and Scottish heritage.

GLASGOW Surname Maps of Ireland (1901)[19]

American Settlers

  • John Glasgow, who landed in Antigua (Antego) in 1707-1708 [20]
  • Agnes Glasgow, who arrived in Pennsylvania in 1742 [21]
  • James Glasgow (1735-1788), who arrived in South Carolina in 1769 [22]
  • David Glasgow Born Ireland 1803. Died Indiana 13 March 1866. familysearch
  • Edward Glasgow, aged 17, who landed in Pennsylvania in 1812 [23]
  • Robert Glasgow, aged 25, who landed in New York in 1835 [24]
  • Dr. Robert Glasgow - Slave-owner on St Vincent, moving to Scotland and leaving a significant physical legacy there in Montgreenan House.
  • Hugh Glasgow was born in Londonderry in about 1739 and died in Pennsylvania.
  • Alexander Glasgow 1807 (PA)   WikiTree
  • Agnes of Glasgow (1760–1780) was a Scottish woman who became a figure of American folklore. [25]
  • Dr. Maude Glasgow (1876–1955) was an early pioneer in public health and preventive medicine as well as an activist for equal rights. [26]

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 [27]
  • Mr. D. Glasgow, British settler travelling from London aboard the ship "DerwentWater" arriving in Lyttelton, Canterbury, New Zealand on 26th November 1861 [28]
  • 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 [29]
  • 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 Source
1881 Great Britain (Lanarks & Midlothian) 654 Oxford Dictionary of Family Names in Britain and Ireland
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 (1 in 5 males named James or John) 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. ↑ https://www.electricscotland.com/history/scotland/history2s.pdf
  5. ↑ https://1.droppdf.com/files/WiaFG/in-the-footsteps-of-william-wallace-alan-young.pdf
  6. ↑ https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-pat-rolls/hen3/vol2/pp209-224
  7. ↑ https://www.british-history.ac.uk/no-series/petitions-to-pope/1342-1419/pp594-612
  8. ↑ https://www.poms.ac.uk/record/factoid/15765/
  9. ↑ https://www.poms.ac.uk/record/person/456/
  10. ↑ https://www.poms.ac.uk/record/source/1423/
  11. ↑ (ER., I, p. 47),
  12. ↑ https://www.poms.ac.uk/record/person/14528/
  13. ↑ https://www.british-history.ac.uk/no-series/petitions-to-pope/1342-1419/pp594-612
  14. ↑ https://www.rps.ac.uk/search.php?action=print&id=3387&filename=jamesiii_trans&type=trans
  15. ↑ https://www.british-history.ac.uk/no-series/petitions-to-pope/1342-1419/pp588-590
  16. ↑ 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.
  17. ↑ Hanna, Charles Augustus, The Scotch-Irish: Or, the Scot in North Britain, North Ireland, and North America Baltimore: Geneological Publishing Company, 2005. Print (ISBN 9780806301686
  18. ↑ Oxford Dictionary of Family Names in Britain and Ireland
  19. ↑ https://www.barrygriffin.com/surname-maps/irish/GLASGOW/
  20. ↑ 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)
  21. ↑ 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)
  22. ↑ 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)
  23. ↑ 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)
  24. ↑ 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)
  25. ↑ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agnes_of_Glasgow
  26. ↑ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maude_Glasgow
  27. ↑ New Zealand Yesteryears Passenger Lists 1800 to 1900 (Retrieved 26th March 2019). Retrieved fromhttp://www.yesteryears.co.nz/shipping/passlist.html
  28. ↑ New Zealand Yesteryears Passenger Lists 1800 to 1900 (Retrieved 17th October 2018). Retrieved fromhttp://www.yesteryears.co.nz/shipping/passlist.htm
  29. ↑ 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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