Surname Lawes - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'L'
Lawes: What does the surname Lawes mean?
The surname Lawes is of Anglo-Saxon origin, derived from an Old English term for "laws" or "rules". It likely developed as a nickname or occupational name for a lawmaker, an enforcer of law, or someone who works in the practice of law, such as a judge or attorney. It could also possibly be derived from someone who lived by a noticeable hill, mound, or burial ground, also known as 'hlaw' in Old English. The popularity of the surname Lawes spread mainly in England and Scotland, eventually extending to other parts of the English-speaking world through migration. Notables with this surname include William Lawes, an English composer and musician. The surname Lawes emphasizes a connection to law, justice, and societal structure and order. As with any surname, specific connotations can vary based on individual family history and lineage.
Order DNA origin analysisLawes: Where does the name Lawes come from?
The surname Lawes is of Anglo-Saxon origin and is believed to come from a professional or occupational name, a derivative of the old English word "hlafweard," which means "loaf-ward" or chief guardian of the bread — essentially a baker or someone who was in charge of the pantry in royal households or monasteries. Notably, it started appearing in written documents during the 11th century in different regions of England.
The surname evolved in spelling over the centuries with different versions like Law, Laws, and Lawes. As families grew and moved, the Lawes name spread across the British Isles. Many of those with it later emigrated to countries including Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and the USA, further spreading the name worldwide.
In today's context, Lawes is not a hugely common surname in any particular region. However, it's most frequently found in Great Britain, particularly in England, and in countries with British roots such as the United States, Australia, and Canada. Notably, it's maintained a strong presence in English counties such as Hampshire, Dorset, and Wiltshire throughout history. Famously, the surname is carried by England rugby union player Courtney Lawes.
Variations of the surname Lawes
The surname Lawes, possibly originating from the Middle English "lawe" referring to "law" in a legal sense or "hill" in a geographical context, has a number of variations and spellings.
Similar sounding English surnames can include Laws, Laas, Lause, or Lause. These variations may have emerged due to changes in spelling over time, regional dialects, or cultural exchanges.
The name might also be anglicized from the German surname "Lowe", the Dutch "Leeuw", or the French "Leu", all referring to "lion" in their respective languages, but this is less common.
Surnames of the same origin could also be Lawless, a similar-sounding and more common English surname, or perhaps Laiou, an equivalent name in Greek.
Lohse (or Loose) can be considered a related surname of Germanic origin, about which the person is near a forest or grove.
However, it's important to note that surnames can often have multiple origins and might be common to unrelated families, due to a wide range of factors including geographical spread, invasion, migration, and changing traditions around naming. Thus, without specific geographic and historical context, these are speculative assumptions and not definitive connections.
Famous people with the name Lawes
- Matthew Lawes: Former professional soccer player in the English Premier League and current player/coach for United Soccer League's OKC Energy FC.
- Mark Lawes: Current professional free-skier and past Olympic medalist in half pipe snowboarding.
- Anthony Lawes: English professional rugby player who currently plays for Gloucester Rugby.
- Orlando Lawes: British meteorologist and oceanographer, who pioneered the use of satellite images to predict hurricanes.
- David Lawes: British World War II veteran who held the rank of plumber in the Royal Navy and was mentioned in dispatches
- B. F. Lawes: English botanist who developed the Lawes Agricultural Research Institute.
- steps Lawes brothers: British instrumentalists and composers who formed the jazz-based vocal group the Laws Brothers.
- William Lawes: English baroque composer of court masques and anthems.
- Gordon Lawes: Former British Field Hockey player and member of the British Empire Games team.
- Peter Lawes: British actor who appeared in the films Dangerous Minds and British Grand Prix.
Other surnames
Comments or additions to the name "Lawes"
01.02.2024
This is my mom's mother's last name. My grandma. We're of Jamaican descent living in Canada. I'm curious as to who, might've enslaved my grandmother's generation.