Surname Lattimer - Meaning and Origin

Lattimer: What does the surname Lattimer mean?

The last name Lattimer is a habitational surname, derived from several places in England. It is thought to have either been introduced by Anglo-Saxon settlers during the medieval period or derived from Old Norse and Scottish origins.

The Lattimer surname likely originates from the Old English word "leget," meaning a hovel or hut. Alternatively, it may be derived from the Scottish place-name "Lattimer," located near the Solway Firth. Whatever its origin, it is one of the 8,000 most common surnames in the English language.

The Lattimer surname has long been associated with an independent spirit and resilience. The ancient coat of arms for the family depicts three seated foxes, a reference to the courage and cunning of the family line. The motto written beneath the crest reads, “Fortiter, Fideliter, Feliciter,” meaning “With Strength, With Loyalty, With Happiness.” This reinforces the idea that the Lattimer family stands for hard work and resolution, as well as an enduring sense of loyalty and joy.

Today, the Lattimer surname exists in multiple forms, including Lattermore, Latterman, Lattumore, Lattema and Leetham. Despite its varying spellings and varied origins, the Lattimer surname represents a shared legacy of strength, courage, loyalty, and happiness that has been passed down through many generations.

Lattimer: Where does the name Lattimer come from?

The last name Lattimer can be found today throughout the United States and in parts of Canada. Today, the most predominant areas of concentration are in central and western Pennsylvania as well as many areas of Virginia and West Virginia.

The last name Lattimer is of English and Scottish origin, and was likely derived from the Old English word "laddre" and "myre" meaning two small rivers. It is believed the name was given to a person who lived near two small rivers or streams.

The Lattimers who arrived in America during the 1700s and 1800s came from the northern areas of England and Scotland in search of a better life. The family initially settled in the areas of Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and elsewhere along the east coast of North America. Many of them served in the Revolutionary War.

Over time, as the Lattimers ventured farther west, they spread out into Indiana, Ohio, and other areas of the Midwest and eventually into areas of the South and West Coast.

Today, there is a strong presence of Lattimers in the states of Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia. Although their numbers have diminished in other states, the family name still remains strong throughout the United States, in Canada, and in many parts of the United Kingdom.

Variations of the surname Lattimer

The surname Lattimer has several variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. These include Latimer, Lattimore, Lattermore, Lattimore, Lattermoor, and Ladermore.

The origin of the surname Lattimer is not entirely clear, but several theories exist. The English surname has likely derived from two possible name sources: either from the Old French 'lait', meaning 'milk', or from a personal name made up of the Old English elements 'lætt', 'leat' or 'let' meaning 'a place or path', and 'mere', meaning 'a lake or pool'.

Given this connection to the landscape, it is possible that the surname could have originated from a family that owned or lived near a lake, pool, or a boundary feature. An alternate hypothesis exists that it was used as a nickname for a white haired or pale-skinned individual, deriving from Old French 'lait', meaning 'milk'.

The surname Lattimer is particularly common in the British Isles (both England and Scotland) and Ireland. The spelling of the surname has been known to change over time due to variations in pronunciation, or through illiteracy. Spellings of this surname (especially 'Lattermoor') have been known to have derived from dialects such as Lancashire. The older versions of the surname include 'Latimer' (a flattened form) and 'Lattimore' (a compensatory form).

Today, individuals with the surname Lattimer can be found all over the world, and the surname continues to be held by a large number of individuals.

Famous people with the name Lattimer

• Dave Lattimer: An American film director, composer and producer. He has served as music supervisor on film and television programs such as The Biggest Loser and The Girls Next Door.
• Saffron Burrows: An English actress who appeared in The Bank Job, Deep Blue Sea, and Bhappy. Her character in The Bank Job was named Sophie Lattimer.
• Saffron Hocking: an Australian filmmaker known for her documentary ‘Lattimer House: Echoes of Freedom’. The film chronicles the lives of the Lattimer family, who were the last Aboriginal family in Melbourne to live as free settlers.
• Jean Lattimer: A Canadian singer-songwriter and producer who has recorded and produced over 50 albums.
• Lincoln Lattimer: A former professional football player who played for the Cleveland Browns from 2005–2009.
• Robert Lattimer: An English actor best known for his role as Sir George Lattimer in the BBC historical drama series The White Queen.
• Grant Lattimer: An Australian national rugby union coach who is currently the head coach of the Melbourne Rebels.
• Jillian Lattimer: An American tennis player who won the 2004 US Open Doubles Title.
• Laura Lattimer: An American figure skater who won the bronze medal at the 2002 Winter Olympics.
• Michael Lattimer: An English actor known for his roles on the television series Doctor Who and as Captain Johannes in the film adaptation of Moby-Dick.

Other surnames

Lattimore