Surname Lauter - Meaning and Origin
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Lauter: What does the surname Lauter mean?
The last name Lauter is a German surname derived from the word “laute”, which means “loud.” This surname likely originated as a descriptive nickname for a particularly noisy individual.
The surname first appears in records across central Europe in the late Middle Ages, primarily in Germany and Switzerland. Immigration records indicate that the first settlers bearing the surname Lauter arrived in North America in the 19th century, likely first settling in the United States before eventually migrating to Canada.
The Lauter surname is ultimately of German origin, but today it is widely distributed throughout many countries. Since individuals bearing the surname Lauter first immigrated to the United States and Canada, many individuals now bearing the name can trace their lineage back to those countries.
The strength of the modern day Lauter surname is evidenced by the presence of many notable individuals, such as the German multimedia journalist and humanitarian Martin Lauter, who founded the photojournalism and project-building initiative “The Faces of Migration”. Additionally, novelist Frank Lauter, documentary filmmaker Marita Lauter, fashion photographer Julian Lauter, and numerous other figures all hold influence in their respective fields.
In conclusion, the surname Lauter is evidence of a long history of a noisy German ancestor. Today, many individuals and families bearing the Lauter name have achieved influence in a variety of fields.
Order DNA origin analysisLauter: Where does the name Lauter come from?
The last name Lauter is common today mainly in Germany, and to a lesser extent in Austria and Switzerland. It is also scattered in other European countries such as France, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom.
It is believed to be derived from a Germanic word meaning "loud," which likely means it was initially a nickname given to someone with a loud voice. Alternatively, it could refer to somebody who lived on or near a loud or particularly noisy body of water, such as a waterfall.
It is also thought to be related to the surname Lawter, which developed in the Midwest and Northeastern United States in the 1700s, though the two bears no more than a resemblance in spelling.
The spelling of Lauter can vary depending on location, where it is sometimes spelt with a double "T" as Lautter. Its variants can also be spelt with an "I" or an "A" instead of an "O" - for example Lauiter or Lautar.
In addition to Europe, the Lauter surname also appears in the United States, where it can be found in the Midwest and Northeastern states, as well as in border states such as California, Arizona, and Texas. It is also recorded in Israel, New Zealand, and Australia.
Variations of the surname Lauter
The surname Lauter is of German origin and has several variants and alternate spellings. The most commonly known variants of this surname include Lauterer, Lauterbach, Lauterz, and Lautereck. Additionally, Lauterer, Lauterbach, and Lauterz may have additional corresponding spellings such as Lauterberger and Lautersbach. The surname Lauter may also appear under regional spellings, for example the Austrian variant Lauterwer.
Surnames with similar origins, such as Leuther, and Lauth, began to emerge in Germany over the course of centuries, but they are thought to have derived from the same root name, Lauter. Other surnames with similar origins include Lahti, Laytham, Louter, Lauritz, and Løter.
Other forms of the surname Lauter can be found in other languages, such as Lawter in English, Lawter in French, Lauteur in Dutch, Lautenschläger in German, and Lautery in Danish. The origin of this surname can be traced all the way back to the Middle Ages when it first began to appear in records in Germany. The name was originally most commonly used to refer to someone who was known to be “noble” or “brave”, which could help to explain its popularity throughout history.
Today the surname Lauter can be found allover the world. It is most commonly found in Germany, particularly in the southern regions of Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg, as well as in Austria, where it is equally popular. The surname is also common in the United States, where it was brought to the country by German and Austrian immigrants.
Famous people with the name Lauter
- Edward Lauter: American actor known for his roles in movies such as The Longest Yard, Family Plot, Outlaw Josey Wales, Stir Crazy, and Death Wish 3.
- Joshua Lauter: American musician, film and video game composer. He composed music for movies such as Desperate Housewives, The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen and Garden State.
- Janet Lauterbach: American journalist and author who has written extensively in the area of gender and race within the media.
- Howard Lauter: American politician who served as a state representative in Michigan.
- Albert Lauterbach: American actor who starred in various stage productions throughout the 1950s and 1960s.
- George Lauter: German-American author who wrote novels, stories, and stage plays.
- Robert Lauter: American actor who rose to fame in the 1960s and is best known for his roles in films such as MASH, High Plains Drifter, and Brendon’s Miracle.
- Leonard Lauter: American fashion designer and businessperson. He was responsible for designing suits for famous figures such as Bob Marley, Steve McQueen, and Paul Newman.
- Sidney Lauter: American actor who made appearances in television shows such as Days of Our Lives, Perry Mason, and Hawaii Five-O.
- Mike Lauter: American baseball player who played for the Kansas City Royals and the Milwaukee Brewers.