This rare and interesting name is of Frisian (North German) origin and is an Anglicization of a locational name from an area known as Benteloo, near Delden in Overifssel. It is thought that the name derives from the Old Low German 'binut', and Old High German 'binuz', meaning bent-grass, a tough variety of grass, favoured for golf courses. An interesting fact relating to this being that, one notable namebearer, Thomas Bendelow a native of Aberdeen who died in Chicago in 1936, was one of America's pioneer golf architects. The following examples illustrate the name development after 1635 (see below): Elizabeth Bendlowes (1657), Elizabeth Bendlous (1686), William Bendlow (1746) and Dorothey Bendelow (1804). Robert Bendelow was christened on June 20th 1817 at Well, in Yorkshire. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of Ann Bentlowe (marriage to Thomas Key), which was dated June 5th 1635, Kirklington, Yorkshire, during the reign of King Charles 1, 'The Martyr', 1625-1649. Surnames became necessary when governments introduced personal taxation. In England this was known as Poll Tax. Throughout the centuries, surnames in every country have continued to "develop" often leading to astonishing variants of the original spelling.