Newlove

This very interesting medieval English surname, although by no means rare, does not seem to recorded in any of the dictionaries of surnames written over the past two hundred years. This is very surprising, and it may be because etymologists traditionally shy away from any name which might have "amorous" meanings, with all the complications that could bring! In our experience they need have had no fear. "Names" which include the word love, including the surname Love itself, rarely present any problems, otherwise they would not have survived these many centuries! Newlove would seem to be as respectable a surname as it is possible to have. It originates from the ancient pre 7th century personal name Newe leof or Newe lufa which literally translating as "new love," was originally baptismal. As such it was a name for a new male baby, a new member of the family, possibly either the first, or at least much wanted. Surnames did not exist before the 12th century and when they were created it was often by adding a personal name, usually that of a son, to an existing personal name. It is unclear when this surname was first recorded although a Reginald Love owned lands in Kent in the 14th century, whilst the aptly named Hercules Newlove was christened at St Giles Cripplegate in the city of London, on Septemnber 13th 1589, during the reign of Queen Elizabeth 1st, 1558 - 1603.