Surname Lacewells - Meaning and Origin

Lacewells: What does the surname Lacewells mean?

Lacewells is an English surname of French origin. Derived from a place name, the name is composed of two elements, "lace" derived from Old French l'aise meaning "the water" or "the stream" and "wells" derived from old English wiella for "wellspring". The literal meaning of the name is "from the sheltered stream".

The Lacewells surname is thought to have originated around the mid to late 11th century in counties of Berkshire, Hampshire and Sussex. The Lacewells were aligned with gentle families, who were part of the landed gentry. As a result, the Lacewells would have held positions within the courtly lines of the court and government and had wealth and status.

At the time, Lacewells would also have been involved in trade, which may have been related to nearby ports and rivers in the south of England.

The surname Lacewells fell off the register over time and it is thought that by the late eighteenth century the Lacewells had transitioned to other forms of the name, such as Leach or Lawes. Despite this transition, the name remains an interesting reminder of those who held influence centuries ago.

Today, the surname Lacewells can be found in locations across England and the United States. It is still being used to remind families of their past and the legacy of their families.

Lacewells: Where does the name Lacewells come from?

The last name Lacewells is most commonly found in the United States today. Specifically, the surname is most prominent in the states of Virginia, Kentucky, and Ohio. In Virginia, Lacewells is one of the top 1000 surnames according to the Surname Distribution Database. In Kentucky, Lacewells is ranked in the top 2000 surnames. Ohio is the state with the highest concentration of the Lacewells surname; it is ranked in the top 800 surnames in the state.

Outside of the United States, Lacewells is an uncommon surname. The surname appears to have originated in Ireland but has since spread to the United Kingdom, Canada, South Africa, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Zambia, Rwanda, and Uganda.

The origin of the Lacewells surname is uncertain. However, historians have suggested it may be derived from a place or estate name with a connection to a lake or a Welshman. The surname is thought to have been in use as early as the 15th century.

In the United States, Lacewells is associated with early settlement in the Virginia area. Records indicate that a William Lacewell was a first settler in Virginia in 1650. Later on, other Lacewells individuals participated in the Revolutionary War. Subsequent migrations led to the surname’s prevalence in other parts of the country.

Today, the Lacewells surname continues to be most widely used in the United States, primarily in the Virginia, Kentucky, and Ohio regions.

Variations of the surname Lacewells

The surname Lacewells is of English origin, and is derived from the Middle English word ‘lacewelle’, meaning ‘a well surrounded by a net or lacework’. It is also possible that the surname could have developed as a topographical name for someone living near a laceworked well.

Variants of the surname Lacewells include Lacewell, Lacewille, Lasell, Lacely, Leswell, Lascwell, Lackwell, Lackie, Lackeney, Lascowie, Laskell, Linkle, Lickcle, Lickley, Lax, and Locie.

A number of Scottish spellings and derivatives exist, including Lacewile, Lace, Lackley, Lackey and more.

The surname Lasell is an earlier variant of Lacewells; it emerged from a combination of the Norman surname L’Aceu and the Old French word ‘vell’, meaning ‘well’. The surname Lacewilles is derived from the Norman French l'Azail, also meaning ‘well’.

In the United States, the surname has been borne by the Lacewells, Laceleys, Lacefields, and even the Lacys.

The surname Louswell was recorded in England in the 13th century, derived from the Old English personal name ‘Lufa’ and the word ‘well’.

The surnames Lockwell, Loxley and Loxeley are all southern English derivatives from the Old English ‘loc’, meaning ‘enclosure’ and the Old English ‘welle’ meaning ‘well’.

In conclusion, Lacewells is a surname of English origin with many variants, spellings and derivatives, ranging from Louswell to Lockwell, Lacely to Lacefield, and many more.

Famous people with the name Lacewells

• Charlamagne Tha God: American radio presenter, author and television personality
• Casey LaCewells: American actress
• Clay LaCewells: American actor
• Pat LaCewells: American professional wrestler
• Kenneth LaCewells: American football player
• Jenna LaCewells: American singer/songwriter
• Sheldon LaCewells: American comedian
• Thomas LaCewells: English actor
• Mary LaCewells: British socialite
• Vince LaCewells: American basketball player

Other surnames

Lacewell