The English surname Trew, Trow or True is of local origin. Local surnames were derived from the place where a person once lived, or a prominent local geographical feature, perhaps a hill identified one person from another who lived near a bridge, river, lake, etc. In this case there are two possible derivations, firstly the name could be derived from the Middle English word 'trow or trew' which means tree and the original bearer could have lived near a prominent tree in the area. Secondly, the name could be derived from the Middle English word 'trow' meaning trough, hollow and the original bearer could have lived near a depression in the ground.

Also the surname Trew could be of nickname origin. In this case the name would have been applied to a person who was considered to be trustworthy and honest. A person who had some obvious trait could be identified as such, and so be named accordingly. An individual of dark complexion could be identified by different names, meaning black, schwartz etc. One who was short may be identified as 'small', one who was tall as 'long'. This is derived from the Middle English word 'trow(e) or trew(e)' which means faithful, steadfast.

Early records of the surname Trow or its variants date to the late 12th century when Rannulfus Truue appears in the Pipe Rolls of Warwickshire in 1180. Rolls of the Exchequer also called the Pipe Rolls hold records of accounts received by the monarchy. The ledgers recorded money from each county, which was payed to the crown on an annual basis. This revenue was derived from a variety of tax charges. The scheme originally being introduced by Henry 1 (1100- 1135)

More recent references include Gilbert, son of Thomas Trowe who was baptised at St James, Clerkenwell in 1694 and Richard Trow who married Jane Harper at St Georges, Hanover Square in 1774.

BLAZON OF ARMS Argent two greyhounds courant in bend sable between two bendlets gules.

CREST A demi chevalier in armour brandishing a sword all-proper.

ORIGIN England.