Surname Last - Meaning and Origin
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Last: What does the surname Last mean?
The last name Last can have several origins depending on where it is found.
In England, Last may be an occupational name for a person who was in the footwear industry, having derived from the Middle English term ‘laaste’ that was used to refer to a leather-worker who cuts the leather into desired shapes to make soles and shoes.
In Germany, Last may have been a nickname for someone who exhibited ‘lasting’ qualities such as strength and perseverance. It could also have been an occupational name for someone who made staircases as ‘Last’ is derived from the German word for ladder - ‘Leiter’.
Lastly, Last could also be an Ashkenazic Jewish surname that is derived from the word ‘Löst’, which was used to describe a rabbi who was learned enough to be able to give testimony in rabbinical courts or answer questions on Jewish law or bible.
Although the origins of this name vary depending on its location and time, the general meaning of Last is someone who is strong willed and enduring. This can be seen in the many varied occupations attributed to it including leather-working, stair-building and religious legal roles. Last is a proud name that reflects the confidence of those who carried it.
Order DNA origin analysisLast: Where does the name Last come from?
The last name Last is common today throughout much of the world. For example, in the United States, the Last name is the 57th most common surname. Other places where this name is found include France, the United Kingdom, Germany, Canada, and Australia, as well as many countries in South America, Mexico, and Southeast Asia. In the U.S., the Last name is mainly concentrated in the West, particularly in California, Oregon, and Washington. It is also found in the Midwest and South, usually in Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri, and Tennessee.
The origin of the Last name is uncertain, although it could have been derived from the Old High German word lach, meaning laughter, or from the Dutch term lacht, meaning pond. Additionally, it could have been an occupational name for a person who lived near a pond.
Today, people bearing the Last name have diverse ancestries, including German, French, Dutch, and South American, among others. Sometimes, those with the Last name share a common ancestor, but the origin is still unknown. The Last name is not a common occurrence in the United States. As of 2020, it is ranked 57th out of the 318,000 surnames registered. However, it does seem more prominent in certain parts of the country, suggesting a common ancestor or cultural similarities.
Variations of the surname Last
The surname Last has several variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin.
The most common version of the surname Last is spelled as it is. Other variants include Leste, Past, Liste, Gest, and Lest. All of these spellings of the name have the same French origin, and are derived from the old French word “leste” which means “quick”. The name Last has been a popular surname in Europe for centuries, being found particularly in England, France, Wales, Scotland, and Ireland.
Some of the surnames associated with the same origin as Last include Vauquelast, Newellast, Gascuelast, and Rouallast. All of these surnames have their roots in France, with many of them having been established by families who migrated to other countries over time.
Similarly, surnames derived from Last include Lastbury, Laston, Laster, and Lastey. All of these surnames follow the same French-derived pattern and have similar spellings of Last as their root.
Lastly, related spellings of Last can be found among other European countries. In Germany, for example, the surname Laster is found; in Spain, the surname Lestero can be found; and in Italy, the surname Lastra is commonly found.
Overall, the surname Last has a rich history and many different variants, spellings, and associated surnames of the same origin, which can be found in many different countries.
Famous people with the name Last
- Sam Last, British games designer and author
- Michael Last, American avant-garde composer
- Alan Last, English radio and television presenter
- Richard Last, British actor
- Tom Last, American baseball player
- William Last Jr., Canadian-American jazz drummer
- Craig Last, Australian rugby league player
- Bill Last, New Zealand cricketer
- Emma Last, British-born artist
- Ashley Last, American record producer
- Nick Last, British-based electronic musician
- Martha Last, English novelist
- Marie Last, Swedish actress
- Fred Last, American actor
- Joe Last, Canadian film producer
- David Last, British electronic music producer
- Derek Last, English digital artist
- Quentin Last, Australian musician
- Stephen Last, British computer scientist and professor
- Patrick Last, Australian entrepreneur, investor and philanthropist