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L is the 12th letter of the alphabet and one of the most commonly used in the English language, the 11th most frequent, to be exact (1). In numerology, it is widely believed that the letter L represents creativity, communication, connection, enthusiasm, and vibrancy. Thus, it is no surprise that there are hundreds of last names that start with L throughout the world. From European languages like French and Italian to Asian tongues like Chinese and Hindi, and Hispanic languages such as Spanish and Mexican, these surnames are found everywhere. They reference locations, professions, family heritage, and physical traits, and range from unique, like Llewellyn, to common, like Lee. Whether you wish to learn more about your last name or other last names starting with L, our extensive list may help satiate your curiosity.
250+ Last Names That Start With L
Let us travel around the world to take a look at surnames that start with L. From the grand vales of Germany to the vast landscapes of China, these last names depict the diversity of society worldwide.
German Last Names That Start With L
German surnames have a long history, originating from one of the oldest groups of spoken languages, Germanic. These surnames have several roots: tautological, military, terrain, and professional (2). Read on to find out more in detail in the following German last names starting with L.
1. Lachmann
The surname has toponymic origins, denoting a person who lives near a lake, from lache meaning ‘lake’ and mann meaning ‘man.’ It is also spelled as Lacheman, Lackman, Lachmann, or Lackmann.
2. Lampe
Lampe is a unique surname with a habitational origin, indicating a house marked with a lamp, or made prominent through a lamp. It can also be a metonymic occupational surname for a lamp maker.
3. Lang
With Germanic origins, Lang is a physical descriptor meaning ‘tall,’ likely used to describe people with a long frame. It is also spelled as Lange, Long, or Laing.
4. Langer
Similar to the previous surname, Langer derives from the German word lang, meaning ‘tall,’ and was initially used as a nickname for a tall person. Some also say that it could be an occupational name for an unskilled worker.
5. Langner
Although it may sound similar to Langer, Langner is a habitational surname. It was used to indicate anyone hailing from Langen or Langenau in Germany, Silesia, or Bohemia.
6. Lauer
The surname has roots as a Jewish nickname for a ‘cunning or crafty person’ or ‘someone with narrow eyes.’ Alternatively, it comes from the Middle German word occupational term for a ‘tanner,’ or as a habitational name for someone from Lauer in Franconia.
7. Laurenz
Laurenz is the German word for the Latin Laurentius, which has given rise to Lawrence, Laurence, and Lorenz. It is a habitational name meaning ‘from Laurentum.’
8. Lauterbach
A habitational surname, Lauterbach comes from any place named Lauter. It also comes from the German word hlutra, meaning ‘pure’ or ‘clear,’ and bach, meaning ‘stream.’
9. Lay
Also a habitational name, Lay comes from German place names in Rhineland and Bavaria. It comes from the word lay, meaning ‘stone,’ ‘slate,’ or ‘rock.’
10. Lechner
An occupational status name indicating ‘vassal’ or ‘feudal tenant.’ It is derived from the Middle High German word lēhen, meaning ‘to hold land as a feudal tenant.’ It can also be a habitational name from Lehen in Bavaria.
11. Lehmann
Derived from the same root as the previous surname, Lehmann means ‘feudal tenant’ or ‘vassal.’ It derives from lēhen, meaning ‘to hold land as a feudal tenant,’ and mann, meaning ‘man.’
12. Lemke
The unique surname originated as a nickname for Lemert, a variant of Lambert, meaning ‘bright land,’ or as a short form of Wilhelm, meaning ‘desire to protect.’ It can also be a habitational name for a place near Hanover.
13. Lenz
Lenz is a popular surname derived as a shortened form of Lorenz, Lanzo, or any name starting with land, meaning ‘land,’ such as Lambert. It is also derived from lenze, the German word for ‘spring,’ or as a habitational name from any place in Germany named Lenz.
14. Leonhardt
The classic masculine name and surname derives from the Old Germanic personal name Leonhard. It means ‘brave lion’ or ‘mighty lion.’
15. Liebig
Liebig comes from a Germanic personal name beginning with liob, meaning ‘dear’ or ‘beloved.’ It may also be a habitational surname for anyone hailing from Liebich, Bohemia.
16. Liedtke
It comes from the North German word Lüdtke, a short form of the personal name Ludolph. It combines ancient Germanic elements liud, meaning ‘people tribe’ and wulf, meaning ‘wolf.’
17. Lindemann
The topographic name originates from Linde, referring to people who ‘dwelled near the lindens.’ Lindens refer to the linden tree or a conspicuous lime tree.
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18. Linden
Originating from the same root as Lindemann, Linden is a plural form of linde, meaning ‘linden tree’ or ‘lime tree.’ As is apparent from the meaning, Linden is a toponymic surname.
19. Lindner
Much like the previous surnames, Lindner originates from linde, meaning ‘lime tree’ and the suffix ‘-ner.’ It is also a habitational last name for someone hailing from Lindenau, Linden, Linda, or Linde.
20. Link
In Germany, Link originated as a nickname for someone whose left hand is dominant. It originates from the Middle High German linc, meaning ‘left side.’
21. Lippert
The distinctive surname may originate from the German name Liebhart, meaning ‘beloved and strong.’ It may also refer to an ancient Germanic name meaning ‘bright people’ or ‘bright tribe.’
22. Löffler
Löffler is an occupational surname for someone who made or sold spoons. It originates from the word löffel, meaning ‘spoon.’
23. Lohmann
The last name is an elaborated version of Loh, a topographic name for someone living near a ‘brushland’ or ‘wood.’ It also denotes a ‘swamp’ or ‘moor’ in Bavaria and Holstein.
24. Lohr
It is a short form of Lorenz, meaning ‘from Laurentum.’ When spelled as Löhr, it is a habitational name from places named Lohr in Bavaria and Rhineland. It can also indicate an occupational name for a ‘tanner’ or an ancient Germanic personal name meaning ‘clear and powerful.’
25. Lohse
As a habitational surname, it indicates anyone originating from a place called Loose, Lohsa, or Loosen. Lohse may also be a short form of Nikolaus or Nicholas, meaning ‘victory of the people.’
26. Lotz
The short surname originated from a medieval nickname form of the masculine name Ludwig. Ludwig has ancient Germanic roots and means ‘famous warrior.’
27. Lücke
Also spelled as Luck, Lücke is a topographical surname meaning ‘enclosed piece of land.’ It may also be a habitational name for places named so, or be a pet form of Luedecke or Ludolph. Alternatively, it may have originated as a nickname meaning ‘loose’ or as a Bavarian topographic word meaning ‘narrow passage alley.’
28. Ludwig
The famous surname and the masculine personal name, Ludwig has Old High German origins. It translates to ‘famous warrior’ from hlūd, meaning ‘famous,’ and wīg, meaning ‘war.’
29. Lukas
Lukas is the German version of Lucas, meaning ‘from Lucanus.’ It has Greek and Latin origins and also translates to ‘light’ or ‘bringer of light.’
30. Lund
Lund is a German topographic surname for ‘someone who lives by a grove.’ It is also a habitational name for places named Lund or Lunden.
31. Luther
Derived from a Germanic personal name, Luther means ‘salvation army.’ It combines the words liut, meaning ‘salvation,’ liud, meaning ‘people,’ or hlūd, meaning ‘clamoring famous,’ with heri, translating to ‘army.’
32. Lutz
Lutz derives as a pet form of the personal name and surname Ludwig or Ludger. It may also be a short form of Liuzo, a name with the element liud, meaning ‘people’ or ‘tribe.’
Check out more German last names.
English Last Names That Start With L
Surnames were not used in England until after the Norman Conquest in 1066. Since then, English surnames have evolved to include everything from nicknames and physical attributes to occupations and patronyms. These English last names that start with L will take you through all these types.
33. Ladd
The short surname Ladd comes from the Middle English word ladde, meaning ‘lad.’ It is an occupational name for a young male attendant or servant.
34. Ladley
Ladley has habitational and toponymic origins in English, Scottish, and Irish. It comes from Ludlow, derived from the river name Hlude, meaning ‘loud roaring,’ referring to the Teme river, and hlaw, meaning ‘hill.’
35. Laird
With Scottish origins, this surname denotes a ‘landlord’ or ‘landowner.’ It is a status name and comes from the Middle English word ‘lord.’
36. Lake
As is apparent from the word “lake,” Lake is a topographic surname for anyone who lives near a lake, pool, or streamlet. It can also be a habitational name for anyone from places named Lack or Lake.
37. Lamb
The surname Lamb emerged as a nickname for a soft or meek person, because of the association of lambs with innocence. It may also be a metonymic occupational name for someone who took care of lambs.
38. Lambert
The surname has English, French, Dutch, German, Walloon, Czech, Polish, and Slovak origins. It is a masculine name as well, combining the ancient Germanic words land, meaning ‘land’ or ‘territory,’ and berht, meaning ‘bright’ or ‘famous’.
39. Lamont
Lamont has Scottish origins and is a clan name. It may also be derived from the personal name Lagman, meaning ‘man of law.’
40. Lancaster
As a surname, Lancaster originates from the place name Lancaster, located in northwestern England. It was originally spelled as Loncastre, combining the name of river Lune and the Old English word ceaster, meaning ‘legionary camp.’
41. Land
It originates from English, Dutch, and German as a topographic surname meaning ‘land’ or ‘territory.’ It could also mean ‘glade’ or originate as a place name from Laund in Yorkshire or Launde in Leicestershire.
42. Langland
The habitational surname refers to Langlands in Guthrie. It also denotes a ‘farmstead’ or ‘a long stretch of land,’ from lang, meaning ‘long,’ and land, meaning ‘territory.’
43. Langley
A famous habitational name, it originates from numerous places named Langley or Longley all over England. It comes from the words lang, meaning ‘long,’ and leah, meaning ‘glade,’ ‘wood,’ or ‘clearing.’
44. Langston
It is a habitational name originating from any place named Langstone in Devon and Hampshire. Langston refers to a ‘neolithic menhir,’ from lang, ‘long,’ and stan, ‘stone.’
45. Larsen
It is a Danish and Norwegian patronymic surname meaning ‘son of Lars.’ Lars is a diminutive of Lawrence, meaning ‘from Laurentum.’
46. Latham
Latham is an English habitational name rooted in Lathom in Lancashire or Laytham in Yorkshire. These place names denote ‘at the barns’ or ‘by the barns.’
47. Lauder
Lauder is a Scottish-origin habitational name derived from a place named Lauder in Berwickshire. The place gets its name from the River Leader, meaning ‘cleansing river.’
48. Laurie
With English and Scottish origins, Laurie is a surname and a common pet form of Lawrence, meaning ‘from Laurentum.’ It also denotes ‘laurel’ in French.
49. Law
Despite the word “law” denoting legality, Law is a topographic surname with English and Scottish origins. It means ‘dweller at the low,’ referring to ‘a hill.’ It can also be a diminutive of Lawrence or Lawson.
50. Lawson
Lawson is an English patronymic surname. It means ‘son of Law,’ referring to Lawrence, which translates to ‘from Laurentum.’
51. Lawton
The English habitational name emerges from Church Lawton in Cheshire. It derives from the Old English word hlaw, meaning ‘mound hill,’ and tun, meaning ‘farmstead estate.’
52. Layne
Layne is a topographical name for those residing in a ‘lane,’ or a ‘narrow pathway between fences, hedges, or two houses.’ It is a variant of Lane, and is also related to the Gaelic patronym Ó Laighin, a byname for a ‘spear’ or ‘javelin.’
53. Leach
Derived from the ancient practice of medicinal bloodletting, Leach is an occupational surname meaning ‘physician’ or ‘doctor.’ It comes from the Old English lǣce, meaning ‘leach,’ ‘surgeon,’ or ‘blood-letter.’
54. Leigh
Leigh is a habitational name originating from numerous places named Leigh in England. It is also a nominative form of Leah, meaning ‘clearing,’ ‘woodland,’ or ‘meadow.’
55. Lend
This English surname has topographic origins indicating those residing near a loud, rushing stream. It can also be a habitational name from Lead, Yorkshire, derived from laed, meaning ‘watercourse,’ or hleda, meaning ‘ledge.’
56. Lennox
Lennox has Scottish origins as a habitational name from Dumbarton, recorded as Levanax. It comes from the Gaelic term leamhan, meaning ‘elm tree.’
57. Lester
The surname and masculine given name has habitational origins in Leicester. It combines the Old English name Legore, referring to ‘the dwellers by the river Legor,’ and ceaster, meaning ‘city fortification.’ Lester may also be an occupational name from Laster, meaning ‘one who makes shoes or boots on a last.’
58. Levy
Levy is a surname with Hebrew origins and means ‘joining.’ It usually refers to a family of Levite descent and can also be spelled as Levi.
59. Lewis
Derived from the English and Welsh personal name Lodovicus, Lewis means ‘famed battle,’ or ‘famous warrior.’ It is also a variant spelling of Louis and Clovis.
60. Leyshon
Leyshon derives from Welsh personal name Lleision, meaning ‘voice’ or ‘vocal.’ It is also spelled as Layson, Leyson, and Laysham.
61. Lincoln
The famous surname originates from Old English as a habitational name from Lincoln, meaning ‘lake colony.’ It can be further elaborated as ‘settler by the lake’ or ‘town by the pool.’
62. Lindsay
A habitational name from Lindsey in England, Lindsay is also recognized as a toponym meaning ‘island of Lind,’ referring to the city of Lincoln. Some also suggest that the surname means ‘island of Linden trees.’
63. Little
Derived as a nickname for someone of small stature or the younger of two people with the same name, Little is a descriptive surname. It comes from the Middle English word littel, meaning ‘little.’
64. Livingston
The habitational surname is derived from Livingston in Lothian, Scotland. It means ‘Levin’s town,’ derived from the word toun, meaning ‘settlement.’
65. Llewellyn
With Welsh origins, Llewellyn comes from the personal masculine name Llewelyn, derived from the British Celtic Lugubelinos. This distinctive last name translates to ‘like a lion.’
66. Lloyd
Lloyd comes from Welsh and is a surname derived from the adjective llwyd, meaning ‘gray.’ It was used to refer to men with gray hair or younger men with mousy brown hair.
67. Lock
Derived from the Old English word loca and the Middle English word loke, Lock is a topographic surname. It refers to someone who lives in an ‘enclosure,’ or a place that can be locked.
68. Lockhart
The unique last name has its origins in the Old French nickname locart, referring to ‘someone who squints’ or ‘someone who is cross-eyed.’ It is derived from the Latin luscus, meaning ‘one-eyed.’
69. Locklear
Locklear is an alternative form of the English surname Lockyer. It is an occupational surname referring to someone who works as a ‘locksmith.’
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70. Lockwood
A habitational surname emerging from places named Lockwood in England, Lockwood has Old English origins. It translates to ‘forest near a fortified place’ or ‘enclosed forest.’
Trivia71. Loftus
The English surname has habitational origins in Yorkshire and is derived from the Old Norse lopt-hús. It means ‘house with an upper floor,’ and also denotes places named Lofthouse in Yorkshire.
72. Logan
A unisex personal name and Scottish-origin surname, Logan has habitational origins. It is derived from the Gaelic word lagan, derived from lag, meaning ‘hollow.’
73. Loomis
Another habitational surname, Loomis, derives from a place near Manchester or Lancashire. It translates to ‘pool nook’ or ‘pool recess.’
74. Lord
Although it may seem to be a status name, Lord emerged as a nickname for a person who played the role of ‘lord’ or ‘master of ceremonies’ in festival games. Now, the surname is also used as a title of rank.
75. Lott
Lott is an English feminine name and a surname with entirely different meanings. As a surname, it derives from lotte, meaning ‘a lot’ or ‘portion,’ denoting an allotted share of land and used to refer to the person holding said plot.
76. Love
Love has two distinct meanings as a surname. In its Old English form, it comes from lufu, denoting ‘beloved’ and used as a pet name or form of endearment. In its Scottish form, it may come from luiff, meaning ‘wolf’ or ‘she-wolf.’
77. Lovell
Derived from the Scottish word luiff and the Anglo-French lovel, Lovell is a surname that translates to ‘wolf cub.’ It is directly related to the surname Love.
Did you know?78. Lowe
Lowe has English and Scottish roots and denotes a ‘lion.’ It emerged as a descriptive nickname for a brave person or someone with a regal aura.
79. Lucas
A habitational name denoting someone who came ‘from Lucania,’ Lucas is a popular masculine name and a surname. It also denotes someone who is ‘bright’ or ‘shining.’
80. Lush
The distinctive surname originated as a descriptive nickname. Rooted in Middle English, Lush translates to ‘loose,’ ‘slack,’ or ‘relaxed.’
Check out more British surnames.
Irish Last Names That Start With L
The Irish have some of the oldest family names in recorded history, some going as far back as the 900s. Although many started with the Os and the Macs, they eventually fell out of use. Most of the surnames we see today have come with the Anglicization of Ireland in the 1500s and 1600s. Discover the old and the new in this list of Irish last names that start with L.
81. Lacey
Lacey has two distinct meanings as a surname of Irish origin. It has habitational origins from a place named De Laci in Normandy, and as a derivative of the personal name Lacey, it comes from Lascius, meaning ‘cheerful.’
82. Lafferty
The Irish surname comes from the Anglicization of the Gaelic Mac Fhlaithbheartaigh, meaning ‘son of Flaithbheartach.’ It comes from the combination of flight, meaning ‘prince,’ and beartach, meaning ‘doer of valiant deeds.’
83. Lally
Lally comes from Mulally, an Anglicized form of the Old Gaelic patronymic surname O’ Maolalaidh. It means ‘descendant of the speckled chief.’
84. Lalor
The surname has its origins in the Gaelic patronymic last name Ó Leathlobhair, meaning ‘descendant of Leathlobhar.’ It combines leath, meaning ‘half,’ and lobar, meaning ‘a sickly person,’ describing a person who has a weak or unhealthy constitution.
85. Lambe
Simply put, Lambe is the Irish spelling variant of the English surname Lamb. It emerged as a descriptive nickname for a person who is meek and docile, like a ‘lamb.’
86. Lane
Lane is an Anglicized form of two Irish Gaelic patronymic surnames. From Ó Laighin, it means ‘descendant of Laighean’, where Laighean means ‘spear’ or ‘javelin.’ From Ó Luain, it translates to ‘descendant of Luan,’ meaning ‘warrior.’
87. Langan
The patronymic surname is an Anglicization of Ó Longáin, meaning ‘descendant of Longáin.’ The name Longáin translates to ‘long’ or ‘tall.’
88. Larkin
Larkin has dual English and Irish roots. In Irish, it is a patronymic surname meaning ‘descendant of Ó Lorcán,’ where Lorcán means ‘fierce,’ ‘rough,’ or ‘cruel.’ In English, it comes from Lor, a diminutive of Lawrence.
89. Lavelle
Another patronymic surname, Lavelle translates as ‘descendant of Maolfhábhail.’ This first name denotes someone who is ‘fond of travel or movement.’
90. Lawlor
As a variant of Lawler, Lawlor derives from a patronymic surname meaning ‘descendant of Leathlobhar,’ denoting a ‘sickly or weakened person.’ It also comes from Leathlabhra, meaning ‘half-speaker’ or ‘mumbler.’
91. Leahy
The Irish surname also originates from a patronym, which translates to ‘descendant of Laochdha.’ Here, Laochdha is a personal name denoting someone who is ‘like a warrior.’
92. Leary
Leary is a derivative of O’leary, a patronymic surname meaning ‘descendant of Laoghaire.’ Laoghaire was a byname meaning ‘keeper of the calves’ and was derived from laogh, meaning ‘calf.’
93. Ledwith
The uncommon surname has Anglo-Saxon roots and is a habitational name derived from Ledwyche in Shropshire It combines the elements hleda, meaning ‘seat’ or ‘edge,’ with wic, meaning ‘dwelling place’ or ‘hamlet.’
94. Lenihan
Also spelled as Lenehan, Lenahan, and Linehan, Lenihan is a classic Irish surname derived from Ó Leanachain. It likely comes from the word leanach, meaning ‘sorrowful.’
95. Lennon
Lennon has a few distinctive origins in the Irish language. Derived from Ó Leannáin, meaning ‘son of Leannán,’ it denotes a ‘cloak,’ ‘mantle,’ or ‘lover,’ and from Mac Lonáin, it comes from lon, a diminutive term for a ‘blackbird.’
96. Leonard
Although Leonard is primarily seen as a German-origin surname meaning ‘lion-hearted,’ it is seen as an equivalent of the Irish surname Langan. In this sense, it means ‘descendant of Longán,’ referring to someone ‘long’ or ‘tall.’
97. Leslie
Leslie has habitational origins in Scottish and patronymic origins in Irish. It derives from a Gaelic name leas celyn, which most likely translates to ‘holly garden.’ It may also be connected to the feminine name Leece, meaning ‘servant or devotee of Jesus.’
98. Leydon
The surname has Irish patronymic origins meaning ‘descendant of Loidean,’ where Loidean has uncertain origins. However, Leydon is also a variant of Lydon, meaning ‘dweller of the meadow valley.’
99. Linnane
Linnane derives from the Irish surname Ó Leannain. Leannain can originate from Leann, which means ‘cloak’ or ‘mantle,’ or Leanan, which translates to ‘paramor’ or ‘lover.’
100. Logue
An Anglicized form of the patronym Ó Maolaodhóg, this surname translates to ‘descendant of the devotee of Saint Mogue.’ Logue also originates from Ó Laoghóg, where laogh means ‘calf.’
101. Lonergan
The classic Irish surname comes from the Gaelic Ó Longargáin. It combines lonn, meaning ‘strong,’ and gann, meaning ‘fierce,’ denoting ‘strong and fierce.’
102. Looney
Looney is the Anglicized version of the Gaelic patronym Ó Luanaigh, meaning ‘descendant of Luanach.’ Luanach is a personal name derived from luan, denoting ‘warrior.’
103. Loughlin
Loughlin derives from the Gaelic filial form Mac Lochlainn or O’Lochlainn, meaning ‘descendent of Lochlann.’ In this sense, Lochlann translates as ‘lake land’ or ‘land of Fjords,’ referring to the Viking kingdom. A better interpretation would be ‘descendant of Vikings.’
104. Loughran
The Anglicized patronym comes from the Gaelic Ó Luchaireáin, meaning ‘descendant of Luchaireán.’ The personal name Luchaireán comes from Luchair, meaning ‘bright’ or ‘glittering.’
105. Loughrey
Loughrey is an Irish patronym and an Anglicization of Ó Luachra, meaning ‘descendant of Luachra.’ Luachra comes from the personal name Luachair, meaning ‘light,’ or the homonym luachair, meaning ‘rush.’
106. Lachlan
An Irish and Scottish Gaelic given name and surname, Lachlan comes from the Gaelic laochail, meaning ‘war-like.’ It also denotes someone from ‘the land of lakes’ or ‘from the fjord land,’ referring to Viking territory. Another interpretation would be ‘warrior from the land of lakes.’
107. Lowry
The Irish surname is also spelled as Lowrie, Lavery, Lavoy, Lory, and Lowery and derives from the Gaelic Ó Labhradha, meaning ‘descendants of Labradha.’ The given name Labradha likely means ‘spokesman.’
108. Lucey
Lucey is an Irish patronym and the Anglicized form of the Gaelic Ó Luasaigh, meaning ‘son of Cluasach.’ Cluasach, derived from cluas, meaning ‘ear,’ was a descriptive nickname for someone with large or noticeable ears.
109. Lydon
The Irish last name beginning with L derives from the Gaelic O’Laideain. It originates from the laoidh, which likely denotes ‘stanza’ or ‘verse’ and was possibly linked to people pursuing the arts or music.
110. Lynch
Lynch is a classic Irish filial name and the Anglicized form of the Gaelic Ó Loingsigh, meaning ‘descendant of Loingseach.’ It denotes someone ‘having or belonging to ships’ and describes a ‘mariner.’
111. Lynn
A locational or toponymic surname, Lynn derives from the Old Irish linn or the Scottish Gaelic linne. This word indicates a ‘water feature’ or ‘pool.’
112. Lyons
Lyons has several meanings in different languages, but as an Irish family name, it links to the surnames Ó Laighin and Ó Liatháin. In both cases, the surname derives from the Celtic word for ‘gray.’
Check out more Irish last names with meanings.
Chinese Last Names That Start With L
Chinese surnames are predominantly used by Han Chinese and Sinicized ethnic groups in Korea, Vietnam, Greater China, Singapore, and Malaysia. These family names are typically used before the first name and indicate one’s clan, royal lineage, origin, official rank, ancestors, occupation, or community.
113. Lai
Used commonly in Overseas Chinese communities, Lai is pronounced the same way in Hakka and Mandarin dialects. The surname translates to ‘depend on,’ ‘trust,’ or ‘rely on.’
114. Lam
The versatile last name is connected to three separate Chinese surnames. From Lin, Lam translates to ‘woods,’ from Luo, it means ‘to gather or collect,’ and from Lan, it means ‘blue.’
115. Lan
Primarily meaning ‘blue’ or referring to the ‘indigo plant,’ Lan has several other meanings. It translates as ‘orchid,’ ‘to practice,’ and ‘cold,’ to mention a few.
116. Lao
Popular in Mandarin and Cantonese dialects, Lao means ‘old,’ ‘experienced,’ or ‘venerable.’ It also means ‘consoling and rewarding’ in another interpretation.
117. Lau
Lau is popular in Shanghainese, Cantonese, Hakka, Teochew, Hainanese, and Hokkiem dialects. It is said to connote a type of ‘battle ax’ or ‘to kill or slaughter.’
118. Le
The Mandarin surname is popularly used in Vietnam, alongside China. It derives from a character that denotes ‘happiness’ or ‘joy.’
119. Lei
Lei is the Cantonese form of the surname Li and the 69th surname in the Hundred Family Surnames poem. It means ‘thunder’ or ‘pile of stones.’
120. Leng
The Mandarin family name Leng translates to ‘cold.’ It is also considered a mispronunciation of Ling, meaning ‘to rise.’
121. Leong
Leong comes from the Chinese surname Long, and translates to ‘dragon’ or ‘imperial.’ This form of the surname is popular in Singapore and Malaysia.
122. Leung
Referring to the Liang dynasty, Leung is the Hong Kong version of the surname Liang. It means ‘bridge,’ ‘roof,’ or ‘beam.’
123. Li
Li, also spelled as Lee, is the second most common surname in China and the fourth surname mentioned in the classic Hundred Family Surnames poem. It means ‘plum’ or ‘plum tree.’
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124. Lian
Lian is a Chinese Mandarin surname with several associated meanings. It means ‘white silk’ or ‘skilled’ in one interpretation and ‘lotus’ or ‘waterlily’ in another. It can also mean ‘waterfall.’
125. Liang
Derived from the Liang dynasty, this Mandarin Chinese surname means ‘roof beam’ or ‘bridge.’ It is also spelled as Leong, Leung, Liong, Niu, or Lio.
126. Liao
In Mandarin Chinese, the last name Liao translates to ‘spacious’ or ‘empty.’ However, in its Taiwanese version, it derives from Liu and means ‘battle-ax’ or ‘to slaughter.’
127. Lin
Lin is a rather popular Mandarin Chinese surname found in several Overseas Chinese communities. Also pronounced Lim in Taiwanese and Lum or Lam in Cantonese, Lin denotes ‘woods,’ ‘trees,’ or ‘forest,’ and also, ‘gemstone’ or ‘sun goddess.’ Fun fact: The character for Lin is pronounced as Hayashi in Japanese.
128. Ling
In Cantonese and Mandarin Chinese, the surname Ling means ‘to rise high.’ However, as the Shanghainese, Hokkien, Teochew, and Hakka pronunciation of Lin, it means ‘woods,’ ‘forest,’ or ‘trees.’
129. Linghu
A Chinese compound surname, Linghu or Ling-hu is a habitational surname. It refers to a historical place in modern-day Linyi county, Shanxi province.
130. Liu
In Mandarin Chinese, the surname Liu translates as ‘battle ax.’ It is considered the fourth-most common surname in Mainland China, with a vast majority of the Chinese community adopting it worldwide.
131. Lo
Popular in Cantonese and Hakka dialects, Lo means ‘to gather’ or ‘to sift.’ It can also be interpreted as a ‘journey,’ with Luo and Loh being its variant spellings.
132. Long
Although Long may also be considered an English surname, it has entirely different origins in Chinese. In Mandarin and Cantonese, it denotes ‘long, thriving’ or ‘grand, magnificent.’ It can also translate to ‘dragon’ and ‘imperial.’
133. Looi
In Chinese, Looi originates as a surname from two other family names that sound homophonic in the Cantonese dialect. The first is Lei, meaning ‘thunder,’ and the second is Lu, a habitational surname for the state of Lu in the Zhou dynasty.
134. Lor
Lor derives from the Lor or Lo clan of the Hmong people in China, Laos, and Vietnam. It translates as ‘gauze,’ or ‘to gather, catch, or sift.’
135. Lu
The Chinese surname is quite common and has several interpretations based on how it is written. Primarily, it is a habitational name from the state of Lu in the Zhou dynasty, but it can also be translated as ‘black,’ ‘land,’ ‘road,’ ‘reed,’ ‘salary,’ and ‘deer.’
136. Lua
Lua, depending on how it is written, can have two separate meanings in Chinese. As a derivative of Lai, it means ‘to depend on’ or ‘to renege,’ and as a variant of Liu, it means ‘battle-ax’ or ‘to kill.’
137. Luan
In Mandarin Chinese, Luan can be translated as ‘golden rain tree’ or can be a habitational name linked to Luan, a fiefdom from the state of Jin. Besides China, Luan is popular in Vietnam.
138. Lui
The surname Lui may be derived from any of three other Chinese last names. From Liu, it might indicate ‘battle ax,’ from Lyu, it translates to ‘pitch pipe,’ and from Lei, it means ‘thunder.’
139. Luo
Luo is a habitational surname emerging from the feudal state Luo of the Shang dynasty. It is transliterated as Lo and Law in Cantonese, Low in Teochew, Loke in Hokkien, and La in Vietnamese. Based on how it is written, it means ‘gauze’ or ‘to gather or collect.’
140. Ly
The Chinese surname Ly is widely believed to be a spelling variant of Li and is used by Hmong people of the Li clan in China and Vietnam. It translates to ‘plum’ or ‘plum tree.’
Check out more Chinese surnames or last names.
Korean Last Names That Start With L
Surnames are a relatively new concept in Korea, with nearly half the population not having a last name until 1910. These surnames typically originate from Chinese and Japanese, and there are less than 300 surnames in use today. Of these, Korean last names that start with L are simultaneously the lowest in number and the most popular.
141. Lee
Lee is the second most common last name or family name in Korea, with over seven million people sharing it as of 2015. Also spelled as I or Yi, this surname means ‘plum tree’ or ‘principle,’ when written using the Hanja script.
142. Lim
The popular Korean surname is also spelled as Im or Rim and derives from the Chinese character pronounced the same way. As for its meaning, it denotes ‘forest,’ ‘trees,’ or ‘woods.’
Check out more Korean family names.
Spanish And Mexican Last Names That Start With L
Spanish and Mexican last names overlap because many Indigenous Mexicans took on Spanish surnames when the country was colonized by Spain. As a result, a vast majority of Spain, Mexico, Hispanic countries (Puerto Rico, Cuba, Dominican Republic, and so on), and Latin American countries use similar surnames.
143. Lagos
The classic habitational surname emerges from several places named Lagos in Galicia. On a different note, it is also a nickname for a timid person in Greek, derived from a word meaning ‘hare.’
144. Laguna
Laguna is a Spanish topographic surname. It means ‘pool’ or ‘pond,’ and derives from the Latin word lacuna, meaning ‘hollow hole.’
145. Lainez
The surname is a patronym derived from Lain and is popular among Spanish speakers in Central America. The personal name Lain commonly refers to ‘handsome,’ ‘bright,’ or ‘fair-haired.’
146. Landaverde
Landaverde is a Hispanic topographic surname commonly used in Mexico and El Salvador. It means ‘green meadow,’ from landa, ‘meadow,’ and verde, ‘green.’
147. Landeros
A popular surname in Mexico, Landeros has topographic origins and means ‘oak producing many acorns.’ It is also derived as a habitational name for someone living in an oak forest, from lande, meaning ‘acorn.’ It may also derive from landa, meaning ‘work,’ translating to ‘land of work.’
148. Lara
Although Lara is more commonly seen as a feminine given name, it has entirely different origins as a Spanish surname. It is a habitational name derived from Lara de los Infantes, a place in Burgos province.
149. Larios
Another popular Spanish habitational surname, Larios, derives from two different places in Spain. It may come from Larios in the Cadiz province or Larios y San Gil from the Caceres province.
150. Lazaro
Lazaro is a Spanish and Portuguese given name and last name. It derives from the Hebrew surname Elazar, meaning ‘God helps,’ or may be linked to the Biblical Lazarus of Bethany, restored to life by Jesus four days after his passing.
151. Lazo
The unique surname Lazo has habitational origins from Lazo in Spain’s Coruna province. It also originates as a descriptive nickname meaning ‘hair ribbon’ or ‘shoelace.’
152. Leal
The Spanish, Portuguese, and English surname emerged as a nickname for a trustworthy or loyal person. It comes from the Latin word legalis, meaning ‘law,’ ‘faithful,’ and ‘obligations.’
153. Lebron
Lebrón or Lebron is a Spanish surname that emerged as a nickname. It derives from the Latin word lepus, meaning ‘hare,’ and was used to describe a timid or cowardly person.
154. Ledesma
The Spanish surname Ledesma is a habitational name derived from several places named Ledesma in Siora, Salamanca, and La Rioja provinces in Spain. It likely comes from a Celtic adjective meaning ‘wide’ or ‘broad.’
155. Lemus
Lemus is a Spanish and Portuguese surname of Galician descent. It is likely a spelling variant of Lemos or Elmos, meaning ‘elm tree.’
156. Leon
Leon emerged as a habitational surname from the city of Leon in Spain, which derived its meaning from the Latin legio, meaning ‘legion.’ Eventually, the city’s name became associated with ‘lion,’ spelled león in Spanish. It also denotes a ‘brave warrior.’
157. Lepe
The surname Lepe also has habitational origins, much like the vast majority of Spanish last names. It comes from Lepe, a city in the Seville province.
158. Lerma
Lerma is also a habitational surname derived from a Spanish place name. It likely comes from Lerma in the Burgos province, Castilla la Vieja.
159. Levya
Another surname with habitational origins, Levya is a spelling variant of Leiva. It is the name of a city in the La Rioja province.
160. Lima
Lima is a Portuguese and Spanish surname derived as a topographic name for someone who ‘lives by the Limia River.’ It may also come from the Spanish word lima, meaning ‘file.’
161. Limon
As is apparent from the surname’s spelling, Limon refers to ‘lemon.’ It is a metonymic occupational surname for a grower or seller of lemons and is popular in Mexico.
162. Linares
Linares is an occupational name for a ‘linen merchant,’ derived from the Latin linarius. It is also a habitational surname from places named Linares in Jaen, Salamanca, Seville, Cantabria, Burgos, and Soria provinces. In this case, it is a plural of linar, meaning ‘flax field.’
163. Lira
Lira has habitational origins as a place name in the provinces of Coruña and Pontevedra in Galicia, Spain. It also derives from Libra in Latin and means ‘balance.’
164. Llamas
Not related to the animal, this surname is likely a habitational name from Llamas in Asturias, Spain, and is the plural form of llama, meaning ‘mud.’ It may also originate from the nickname Llama, meaning ‘flame.’
165. Loera
Loera emerged as a feminine nickname for Salvador, meaning ‘savior.’ It is also the Mexican form of Luera, a habitational name from Lluera in Asturias, Spain, associated with Nuestra Señora de Lluera, meaning ‘our lady of the light.’
166. Lomeli
The surname has Hispanic origins and is predominantly used in Mexico. It comes from the Italian surname Lomelino or Lomelini, a habitational name from Lomello, a town in Lombardy. It comes from the word lomo, meaning ‘ridge.’
167. Longoria
Another habitational surname of Spanish origin, Longoria comes from the Castilianized form of Llongoria. It is a town located in the Asturias province in Spain.
168. Lopez
Lopez is a patronymic surname meaning ‘son of Lope,’ where Lope is a personal name meaning ‘wolf.’ It is one of the most common surnames used among Hispanic communities in Spain and worldwide.
169. Lora
Lora is a feminine given name and habitational surname in Spanish, derived from Lorraine, a region in France. It also comes from Lora de Estepa or Lora del Rio, both in the Seville province in Spain.
170. Loredo
It is another popular habitational surname derived from places named Loredo in the Basque county or in the Cantabria and Asturias provinces. It comes from the Latin word lauretum, meaning ‘place of laurels.’
171. Lorenzo
Lorenzo is an Italian and Spanish masculine name and surname. It means ‘from Laurentum’ or ‘from the town of bay trees’ and is a derivative of Laurence or Lawrence.
172. Lovato
With Italian origins, Lovato comes from the Latin word Lupatus, meaning ‘wolf.’ In Spanish, this surname comes from Lobato, a cognate of the Italian Lovato.
Image: Momjunction Design Team
173. Loya
The surname has localized Spanish origins. It is a habitational surname from Loya, located in Navarre, Spain.
174. Loyola
It is the Castilianized version of Loiola, a place name from Loiola in the Gipuzkoa and Biscay provinces in Basque County. It means ‘place of mud,’ combining loi, meaning ‘mud,’ with ola, meaning ‘place of.’
175. Lozano
The surname Lozano originated as a descriptive nickname for an ‘elegant’ or ‘haughty’ person, from the word lozano, meaning ‘splendid’ or ‘good-looking.’ It has Spanish and Italian-Swiss origins.
176. Lucero
Also derived from a nickname, the last name Lucero comes from luz, meaning ‘light.’ It can denote ‘morning star,’ ‘evening star,’ or ‘blaze marking on a horse.’
177. Lucio
With Spanish, Portuguese, and Italian origins, Lucio comes from the Latin Lucius, meaning ‘light.’ It is also a habitational surname from the Pontevedra province in Galicia.
178. Lugo
Lugo has habitational origins from a city in Galicia, Spain. It may have been derived from the Celtic god Lugos or from a Roman settlement named Lucus Augusti, meaning ‘grove or wood or Augustus,’
179. Luis
Luis is the Spanish and Portuguese variant of the masculine name and surname Louis or Lewis. It means ‘famous warrior’ or ‘famed in battle.’
180. Lujan
The surname is derived as a habitational name from Lujan in Spain’s Huesca province. On an interesting note, it is also used as a surname by Native Americans, particularly the Navajos and Pueblos.
181. Luna
Luna is a feminine name with Latin origins, meaning ‘moon,’ a habitational surname derived from the same root. It refers to any place named Luna in Zaragoza, Alava, and Leon provinces in Spain.
Check these out for more Spanish surnames and popular Mexican surnames.
Italian Last Names That Start With L
Italians did not have family names until the 15th century when the upper classes started using them. They soon became commonplace and were used to denote geographical areas, nicknames or physical descriptors, patronyms, occupations, and even plants and animals.
182. La Rocca
Also spelled Larocca, it is a habitational name from any place named Rocca in Italy. It means ‘crag, precipice,’ or ‘stronghold, fortress.’ La Rocca also serves as a topographical surname for anyone living near a fortress or crag.
183. La Rosa
La Rosa or Larosa is an Italian surname derived from the Spanish De La Rosa, meaning ‘of the rose.’ It is also a topographical surname for anyone who resided near a rosebush.
184. La Torre
The Italian and Spanish surname is also spelled Latorre and is a habitational name for any place named La Torre in Italy or Spain. It means ‘the tower’ from the word torre, meaning ‘tower.’
Did you know?185. Lamberti
The Italian surname is a plural and patronymic form of Lambert, a masculine name meaning ‘bright land’ or ‘famous land.’ This last name is also used in southern France and Corsica.
186. Landi
Landi is the patronymic or plural form of Lando, a masculine name and surname. Lando is a diminutive form of any name containing the element land, meaning ‘territory,’ such as Orlando, Landolfi, or Rolando.
187. Lanza
The surname Lanza has Italian and Spanish origins. It is a shortened form of any name ending in ‘-lanza’ or ‘-lancia,’ like Francallanza. It also means ‘lance,’ as a nickname for a soldier or lance maker.
188. Latini
Latini is the patronym form of the medieval personal name Latino. It was an ethnic name for anyone with Latin ancestors as opposed to Germanic, Slavic, or Byzantine.
189. Lauria
It is a habitational name for anyone hailing from Lauria in Potenza. Lauria is also spelled as Luria or Loria.
190. Lazzari
The Italian surname emerges as the patronymic or plural form of the personal name Lazzaro. Lazzaro has Hebrew roots meaning ‘God has helped,’ originating from the Biblical character Lazarus.
191. Lazzarini
Similar to the previous surname, Lazzarini is a patronymic and plural form of Lazzarino, a pet form of Lazzaro. It means ‘God has helped’ in Hebrew and is rooted in the New Testament character Lazarus, who was revived by Christ four days after his death.
192. Lentini
A habitational name, Lentini is also spelled as Lentine. It originates from Lentini in Siracusa province, Sicily.
193. Leo
A southern Italian surname, Leo emerged as a nickname for a ‘brave or fierce warrior.’ It is derived from the Latin leo, meaning ‘lion.’
194. Leonardi
Leonardi is the patronymic form of Leonardo, a masculine name meaning ‘brave as a lion’ or ‘lion-hearted.’ As a surname, Leonardi contains the suffix ‘-is,’ denoting ‘belonging to,’ thus making the overall meaning ‘part of the Leonardi family.’
195. Leone
This surname comes from the Italian personal name or nickname meaning ‘lion.’ It is used to refer to a ‘brave warrior’ or ‘fierce fighter.’
196. Leoni
Leoni is the patronymic and plural form of Leon, meaning ‘lions.’ It is believed to have originated from the Papal States and is also popularly used in southern France and Corsica.
197. Lepore
In Italian, the surname Lepore is said to have emerged from a nickname for a fleet-footed or timid person. It is a variant of the surname Lepre, meaning ‘hare.’
198. Liguori
The surname Liguori derives from the Latin word liguria, referring to ‘a type of precious stone.’ It is considered to have emerged from Italy’s Liguria region.
199. Lisi
Lisi is the shortened patronymic and plural form of the masculine name Aloisio. Also spelled Aloysius, it derives from Ludwig, meaning ‘famous in battle.’
200. Lo Presti
Meaning ‘the priest,’ Lo Presti is a unique surname also spelled Lopresti. It is an occupational surname denoting any person serving as a priest.
201. Locatelli
A typical Lombardic surname, Locatelli is the pluralized form of the habitational name Locatello. Locatello is located in Bergamo, Lombardy.
202. Lombardo
The surname denoted anyone hailing from Lombardy as a habitational surname, or a nickname for anyone from Northern Italy. Lombardy denoted the entire North Italian region during the time when surnames were in their nascent stages, which prompted this usage.
203. Longo
The Italian surname comes from the nickname Longo, referring to someone ‘tall,’ ‘long,’ or ‘ancient.’ It is a direct variant of lungo, derived from the Latin longus.
204. Longobardi
Longobardi is a patronymic and plural form of Longobardo. This ethnic name refers to Lombard, meaning ‘long beard.’ The Germanic group of Lombards ruled the Italian Peninsula from 568 to 774.
205. Longoni
Derived from the descriptive nickname for someone who is ‘long’ or ‘tall,’ Longoni is derived from the Latin word longus. It is also related to the surname Longo.
206. Lorenzi
Lorenzi is the plural and patronymic form of the surname and personal name Lorenzo. It is derived from the Italian form of Laurence or Lawrence, meaning ‘from Laurentum.’
207. Lorusso
The name and surname Lorusso comes from the Italian word rosso, meaning ‘red.’ It likely emerged as a descriptive nickname for a person with a reddish or ruddy complexion.
208. Lotti
Lotti is a common patronym and the plural form of Lotto. Lotto is derived as a nickname from the pet names ending in ‘-lotto,’ like Angelotto and Bartolotto.
209. Lucarelli
The last name Lucarelli derives from a diminutive of Luca as its patronymic form. Luca comes from Lucas, meaning ‘man from Lucania,’ ‘bright,’ and ‘shining.’
210. Lucchesi
Lucchesi is a patronym form of Lucchese, an ethnic name for someone hailing from Lucca. Lucca is a habitational name meaning ‘marshy,’ and comes from Lucas, meaning ‘bright.’
211. Luciani
Continuing with the trend of patronyms, Luciani is the patronymic form of Luciano. Luciano, in turn, derives from Lucio, which has Latin origins and means ‘light.’
212. Lunardi
Although it may seem that Lunardi has connections to Luna, it is not so. This patronymic surname is a variation of Leonardi, meaning ‘lion’ or ‘brave-hearted warrior.’
213. Lupi
Lupi is the Italian equivalent of the Spanish surname Lopez. It is derived from the same Latin root, lupus, meaning ‘wolf.’
214. Lupo
Another popular equivalent of the Spanish Lopez, Lupo is the spelling variant of Lupi. Derived from the Latin word lupus, it indicates ‘wolf.’
Check out more Italian last names.
French Last Names That Start With L
Like surnames in most other countries, French last names indicate occupations, patronyms and matronyms, physical descriptions, geography, and lineage. Some surnames go as far back as the 11th century, while others are more recent.
215. Lacombe
The surname is topographic and describes someone living in or ‘near a ravine.’ It is a variation of Combe with the definite article la.
216. Lacoste
The surname may have habitational origins from places named La Coste or Lacoste in Southern France. It may also be a topographic surname derived from Coste, meaning ‘someone who lives by a riverbank,’ and the definite article, la.
217. Lacroix
Also spelled as La Croix, this surname means ‘the cross.’ It could be a habitational name for someone living near a market or road crossing, or a descriptive one for someone carrying a religious emblem.
218. Lagarde
Lagarde is a habitational surname derived from places named La Garde in different parts of France. It is derived from the word Garde which means ‘watch’ and ‘protection.’
219. Lagrange
Originating from the French word grange, this surname translates to ‘the granary.’ It was derived as a habitational name for anyone who lived near a granary.
220. Lamar
Lamar is a variant spelling of Lamarre or La Marre. It combines the article la with marre, meaning ‘pool’ or ‘pond,’ and thus, maybe a toponymic surname for someone who lives near a pool or pond.
221. Lamotte
The French surname originated as a habitational or topographic name for someone who resided near a motte. Motte means ‘a protective mound surrounding a fortified stronghold.’ It may also refer to places named La Motte or Lamotte in France.
222. Lamy
Lamy comes from Lami, which is the shortened form of L’ami or La Amie, meaning ‘the friend.’ It may also have Galician origins from Llamas, meaning ‘mudflats.’
223. Landry
The French and English surname comes from the French personal name Landri, which has old Germanic roots meaning ‘powerful land’ or ‘powerful ruler.’ It may also be a habitational name from places named so.
224. Langlois
The unique surname emerged as a descriptive ethnic name for an Englishman. It is the contracted form of La Anglois, meaning ‘a man from England.’
225. Lanier
Lanier serves both as a popular French surname and a masculine given name. It has occupational origins, denoting ‘woolworker,’ or someone who worked in the wool trade.
226. Lanoir
Despite its phonetic similarity with the previous surname Lanier, Lanoir has a different meaning. It means ‘the black,’ combining the article la with noir, meaning ‘black.’
227. Lapierre
The French surname means ‘the stone,’ and was used as a surname by soldiers. It could also be an occupational last name for a ‘quarryman’ or a ‘stone carver.’
Image: Momjunction Design Team
228. Laporte
Laporte is the French form of the Italian surname Laporta, a habitational name for some residing near the gate of a fortified town. It comes from the word porta, meaning ‘door’ or ‘entrance.’
229. Laurent
The French surname comes from the Greek word Lavrenti, meaning ‘shining one’ or ‘bright one.’ It is related to the name Laurence, meaning ‘from Laurentum.’
230. Ledoux
The surname Ledoux emerged from a descriptive nickname for a mild-mannered person. It uses the word doux, which in French means, ‘sweet,’ ‘mild-mannered,’ or ‘gentle.’
231. Le Gall
A unique descriptive surname, it came about as a nickname for a French-speaking Gaulish person. It referred to French Bretonic citizens and eventually became a known surname in the region.
232. Le Goff
Another surname with Bretonic origins, Le Goff is also spelled as Legoff. It is an occupational surname referring to a goff, or ‘smith.’
233. Le Guen
The French and Bretonic surname comes from the word gwen, meaning ‘white,’ ‘fair,’ or ‘blessed.’ It is popular in Breton-speaking areas of France and is also spelled as Le Gouennec or Le Gwen.
234. Le Roux
Le Roux or Leroux is a popular French surname with origins as a descriptive nickname. It was used to refer to a person with a reddish or ruddy complexion.
235. Leavitt
Leavitt has its roots in the Anglo-Norman French word leuet, meaning ‘wolf cub.’ It may also be a habitational name for places in Normandy that are named Livet.
236. Leblanc
The descriptive surname simply translates to ‘the white.’ It emerged as a nickname for someone with pale skin or fair-colored hair.
237. Lebreton
The unique surname was created as an ethnic name describing someone of Breton descent. It means ‘the Breton’.
238. Lebrun
Lebrun is also spelled as Le Brun and was created as a descriptive nickname meaning ‘brown.’ It referred to people who were noted to primarily wear brown clothing.
239. Leclerc
Leclerc has French and Walloon origins as an occupational surname. In modern usage, it refers to ‘a clerk,’ but in olden times, it referred to a ‘scholar’ or a minor clergy member.
240. Lecomte
The surname translates to ‘the Count’ and was an occupational surname and nickname for anyone who served a count. The most popular spelling variant of Lecomte is Lecompte.
241. Leduc
Translating to ‘the Duke,’ Leduc emerged as a surname for those serving a duke. It may also have been a nickname to describe someone who gave themselves airs and graces.
242. Lefebvre
Lefebvre is derived from the French occupational surname Fevre, meaning ‘an ironworker’ or ‘a smith.’ The most common spelling variants of Lefebvre are Faure, Fabre, Faivre, and Lefèvre.
243. Lejeune
The sweet-sounding surname comes from the word jeune, meaning ‘young.’ It emerged as a descriptive nickname for someone who was the youngest in a group or had a youthful appearance.
244. Lemaire
Lemaire has occupational and descriptive roots. It means ‘the mayor,’ and was used to refer to municipal magistrates or local officials, whoever had the role closest to a mayor. It was also a nickname for those who looked or behaved like a mayor.
245. Lemaitre
Despite its phonetic and physical similarity with the previous surname, Lemaitre has entirely different origins. It means ‘the master,’ and refers to someone who worked as the head of a trade or craft guild.
246. Lemoine
The unique surname has its roots as an occupational name for ‘a monk’ or someone who worked at a monastery. It may also be a nickname for someone known for behaving or dressing like a monk.
247. Leroy
With French, Walloon, and Flemish roots, Leroy translates to ‘the king.’ It has several spelling variations, like LeeRoy, Leeroy, Lee Roy, Le Roy, or Roy.
248. Lesage
This simple surname implies the same thing it spells. It means ‘the sage,’ and refers to a wise, learned man. Lesage is also spelled as Le Sage and LeSage.
249. Letellier
Translating to ‘the weaver’ or a Tellier, Letellier was an occupational name for anyone who worked as a weaver. It was popularly used in Picardy and Normandy.
250. Levine
Derived from the Russian Levin, the French surname Levine has Biblical Hebrew roots. It refers to the Levites or the members of the tribe of Levi, and means ‘joining.’
251. Loiseau
Loiseau was derived from a nickname form of oisel, meaning ‘bird.’ A spelling variant of Loisel, it is also a habitational name for places named L’Oiseau in various parts of France.
Check out more traditional French surnames.
Discover More Names
When you have to choose a name for your baby, a few hundreds of names may not be just enough. Keep digging our mine of baby names until you find that one precious gem.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which Spanish last names start with L?
Multiple Spanish last names start with the letter L. Some examples include habitational names such as Leon and Lara, patronymic ones like Lopez, and the topographic surnames Laguna and Landaverde.
2. Is Le a rare last name?
The popularity of the surname Le varies from culture to culture. Many consider Le to be a Mandarin surname and interpret its meaning as happiness or joy. Thus, it is popular in Chinese and Vietnamese cultures. Additionally, Le is a part of many French surnames, including Le Gall, Le Goff, Le Gen, and Le Roux.
3. What are some common last names that start with the letter L?
Surnames starting with the letter L have various origins, including occupations, geography, patronymics, habitation, and more. Some common ones include Langer, Linder, Lamb, Lewis, Lao, Leory, Lim, and Lee.
Last names starting with L encompass significant cultural and historical ties. They help show what people across the world value and how they choose to identify themselves. Surnames starting with L have a wide range of meanings, such as Leon, which represents a ‘lion,’ or Leroy, which invokes images of a stately ‘king.’ Whether they are ancient or modern, culturally rooted or newly minted, these last names represent a wide spectrum of the human population, and this list will help you get a deeper understanding of the same.
Infographic: Short Surnames Starting With The Letter L
Surnames starting with the letter L are present in many cultures, from German and Spanish to Chinese and English. They reflect a family’s ancestral connections to professions and geographical locations or even figures from mythology. Explore the origins and meanings of some short surnames starting with the letter L in the infographic below.
Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
Key Pointers
- Many German surnames describe a person’s physical and mental attributes or are derived from nicknames, e.g Lang, meaning tall, and Lotz derived from Ludwig, meaning ‘famous warrior.’
- The pronunciation of many Chinese and Korean surnames can vary based on their Hanja characters.
- Several Mexican surnames are occupational and influenced by Spanish colonization.
- Italian surnames often showcase topographical features such as crags (La Rocca), towers (La Torre), and marshy areas (Lucchesi).
References
- Letter Frequencies in the English Language.
https://www3.nd.edu/~busiforc/handouts/cryptography/Letter%20Frequencies.html - German Surnames – Their Meaning & Origin.
https://newbremenhistory.org/en/content/11-german-surnames-their-meaning-origin - Frequently Occurring Surnames from the 2010 Census
https://www.census.gov/topics/population/genealogy/data/2010_surnames.html
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