Explore the Family Name Louw
The meaning of Louw
Dutch: 1. from a vernacular short form of the personal name Laurentius (see Lawrence). This surname is also established in South Africa. 2. (also De Louw, Van der Louw): occupational name for a tanner, from Middle Dutch louwen ‘to tan’.
Dictionary of American Family Names, 2nd edition, © Oxford University Press, 2022.
How common is the last name Louw in the United States?
Based on the Decennial U.S. Census data, the surname Louw has increased in popularity between the years 2000 and 2010. In 2000, it was ranked 85,996 in terms of prevalence, but by 2010, it had risen to rank 66,553—a change of 22.61 percent. The count of individuals with the Louw surname also increased during this period, from 202 people in 2000 to 297 people in 2010, marking a significant growth of 47.03 percent. Furthermore, the proportion of individuals with the surname Louw per 100,000 people rose by 42.86 percent, from 0.07 in 2000 to 0.1 in 2010.
| 2000 | 2010 | Change | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #85,996 | #66,553 | 22.61% |
| Count | 202 | 297 | 47.03% |
| Proportion per 100k | 0.07 | 0.1 | 42.86% |
Race and Ethnicity of people with the last name Louw
When considering the ethnic identity of individuals with the Louw surname, the Decennial U.S. Census data reveals several changes between 2000 and 2010. In 2000, 87.13 percent of those with the surname identified as White, 5.45 percent as Asian/Pacific Islander, 4.46 percent reported having two or more races, and 2.97 percent identified as Black. However, by 2010, there were shifts in these figures. The percentage of those identifying as White decreased slightly to 84.51 percent, while the percentage of those identifying as Asian/Pacific Islander increased to 6.40 percent. Individuals reporting two or more races decreased to 2.02 percent. Notably, there was a significant increase in the percentage of individuals with the Louw surname identifying as Black, rising to 6.06 percent—a change of 104.04 percent. No individuals with the Louw surname identified as Hispanic or American Indian and Alaskan Native in either year.
| 2000 | 2010 | Change | |
|---|---|---|---|
| White | 87.13% | 84.51% | -3.01% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 5.45% | 6.4% | 17.43% |
| Black | 2.97% | 6.06% | 104.04% |
| Two or More Races | 4.46% | 2.02% | -54.71% |
| Hispanic | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| American Indian and Alaskan Native | 0% | 0% | 0% |