Onslow (surname)

The surname Onslow is of English origin. It is a habitational name, derived from a place called Onslow in Shropshire, England. This place name is believed to be derived from the Old English personal name "Onn" (of uncertain meaning) combined with "hlaw," meaning "mound" or "hill." Therefore, Onslow likely originally meant "Onn's hill" or "the hill associated with Onn."

The surname is relatively uncommon but can be found in records dating back several centuries, primarily in England. Over time, the surname has spread to other parts of the world through migration.

Notable people with the surname Onslow include:

• Members of the Onslow family, prominent in British politics and society for many generations. This includes several Earls of Onslow.

• Various individuals in public life, academia, and the arts.

Variants of the surname may include Onsloe and possibly others derived through dialectal variation or transcription errors.