Surname Laverock - Meaning and Origin
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Laverock: What does the surname Laverock mean?
The last name Laverock is an anglicized form of the Old French name laveroc, meaning "lark." It is believed to have originated in northern France and to have been brought to England by the Normans after their conquest of 1066.
The word "laveroc" is derived from the Latin word "alauda," meaning "lark," which is a type of small passerine songbird. The lark is symbolic of joy, freedom, and imagination, and was especially popular during the Romantic period of literature.
In addition to being a common surname in England, the name Laverock can also be found in Scotland, Ireland, and the United States, particularly in Pennsylvania. This is likely due to Scots-Irish immigrants who first settled there in the 18th century.
The name Laverock originally referred to someone who worked with or lived around larks, such as a falconer or a poacher who specialized in catching them. Later it became associated with people who lived in the vicinity of a known lark roost, or with those who simply had an interest in the bird.
The symbolic meaning of a lark is still very much alive in the name Laverock today, with families connecting it to joy and freedom. It can also be seen as a reminder to take a break from the daily grind of life and to embrace the imagination and beauty of nature around us.
Order DNA origin analysisLaverock: Where does the name Laverock come from?
The last name Laverock is most commonly found in England. The surname originated in the north of the country, specifically in Yorkshire and Lancashire. It is most likely derived from Old English words meaning a "place near a lake" or a "lake populated with larks".
The Laverock surname was also found in other parts of the UK, such as Scotland and Ireland. While it appears in records since the 14th century, its peak usage was in the 19th century, being especially popular in Lancashire and Yorkshire. However, more recently its frequency has been declining and is today considered fairly rare.
In terms of other countries, the name remains mainly found in England. However, it is also common in parts of the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. In these countries, people bearing the name likely trace their heritage to English immigrants.
Overall, the last name Laverock is most commonly found in England. It has been decreasing in popularity since the 19th century and is today considered rare. Other countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand all have people bearing this surname, likely as a result of emigration from England.
Variations of the surname Laverock
The surname Laverock, also spelled Laverick, Laverick, Lawrick, and Laurick, has a few variations that could come from multiple origins. From a Scots Gaelic origin, the name is thought to come from Mac Lavery, a nickname formed from the element Mac Livirigh, meaning “son of the leper.” Alternatively, the Gaelic variation of this surname is attributed to Mac Fhlaveirigh, or son of the Doctor.
The Irish origin of the surname comes from Mac an Leamhna (Mac an Laurie) meaning, “son of the Lamb.” The Welsh version is thought to come from Walter Fithelavereky, meaning “son of a hawk.”
The closely related surname Lamrock can be attributed to the same Gaelic origin, while variants like Lamriek, Larmarck, and Lemerick likely stem from alternative spellings. The surnames Lavryk and Lavarick are also believed to owe their roots to the original surname Laverock.
Lastly, variants of the surname Laverock (Laverick, Lawrick, Laurick, Lamrock, Lamriek, Larmarck, Lemerick, Lavryk, Lavarick) have also appeared throughout history; Lavey, Libby, Livy, Lewry, Lary, Lotry, Lowrie, Lewerey, Levery, and Loarke have all made appearances, although they might derive from other origins.
Overall, despite some variations in spelling, the reputation of the surname Laverock as a whole has become well-established over its long history, and its legacy continues to be remembered today.
Famous people with the name Laverock
- Steve Laverock: an American film, television and video game composer.
- Helen Laverock: a British actress known for her roles in such films as "The Bonfire of the Vanities" (1990) and "The Hitman's Bodyguard" (2017).
- Jay Laverock: a retired Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher who was on the 2012 and 2013 World Series winning teams.
- George Laverock: a British member of Parliament in the 19th century.
- Robert Laverock: a British engineer who served as the director of the Royal Aircraft Factory in World War I.
- Henry Laverock: a 19th-century English hardwood manufacturer.
- Eliza Laverock: an Australian fashion designer and illustrator.
- Thomas Laverock: an English baron of the 17th century.
- Ryan Laverock: an English professional rugby league footballer.
- George Laverock Knowles: a British field marshal who served in the Second Boer War and World War I.