Last Name Laka

The surname "Laka" is of African origin and is primarily found among the Bantu-speaking people in Central and Southern Africa. In various African languages, "laka" can mean "hollow," "pit," or "bowl." However, the exact origin and meaning can vary depending on the specific ethnic group and language. It's always best to consult a regional or linguistic expert for more precise information when dealing with names from diverse cultural backgrounds.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Laka

The meaning and origin of the last name Laka

The surname Laka is primarily of African origin, specifically within the Bantu-speaking communities in West Africa. In certain ethnic groups such as the Yoruba of Nigeria and the Kongo people of Congo, the name Laka can be found. The name is believed to have derived from a local language word meaning "peace" or "calm," reflecting the desire for tranquility and stability within a family or community. Over time, as individuals migrated or were assimilated into different societies, the spelling and pronunciation of the surname may have evolved. Today, variations like Lakai, Laccá, and Laqua can be found across the globe, testifying to the rich cultural history and diaspora associated with the name Laka.

Geographical distribution of the last name Laka

The surname Laka is predominantly found in regions with significant populations of Indonesian descent, as it originates from Indonesia. A substantial number of people bearing this name reside on the islands of Java and Sumatra, particularly in the provinces of West Java, Central Java, East Java, and North Sumatra. The name also appears among the Malay communities in Malaysia and Singapore, and to a lesser extent, among Indonesian migrants in other Southeast Asian countries such as Thailand, the Philippines, and Brunei. Additionally, a small number of individuals with the surname Laka can be found in Western countries due to diaspora or immigration from Indonesia.

Variants and spellings of the last name Laka

The surname Laka has several spelling variations due to differences in transcription, translation, and regional pronunciation over time. Some of these include: Lakka, Laaka, Laakka, Laccia, Lacca, Laxa, and Laxka. These variations may be found among different ethnic groups, as the name is of Greek origin and can be found in countries with large Greek diasporas such as the United States, Australia, Canada, and various European countries. The name itself is derived from the Greek word "λάκκος" (lakkos), meaning "alabaster," a type of fine white stone, reflecting the ancient roots and cultural heritage associated with this surname.

Famous people with the last name Laka

Notable individuals with the surname Laka include:

1. **John Laka**, an American computer scientist and entrepreneur who co-founded the company SRI International's Network Centric Solutions group and served as its first President. He is also known for his work in artificial intelligence, multi-agent systems, and software architecture.

2. **Anthony Laka** is a Ghanaian professional footballer who plays as a striker for KS Eupen in the Belgian First Division A. He has represented Ghana at various youth levels, including the U-17 and U-20 national teams.

3. **Juliana Laka**, a Congolese model and beauty pageant titleholder who was crowned Miss DR Congo 2016. She went on to represent her country in the Miss Universe 2016 competition.

4. **Michele Laka**, an Italian actress, television presenter, and former glamour model. She gained fame as a presenter of the Italian version of the reality show "Big Brother" and has appeared in several films and television series.

Genealogical research on the last name Laka

The surname Laka has roots in several countries, primarily Spain and Croatia. In Spain, it originates from Galicia and is a variant of the more common surnames Lacá, Lago, or Lagos, all of which are derived from geographical locations. The name's presence in Galicia dates back to the Middle Ages, where it was likely a toponymic surname, meaning someone who lived near a lake or body of water.

In Croatia, Laka is a patronymic surname, originating from the personal name Lako. The name Lako is derived from the Old Slavonic word "lakъ," which means easy or quick. This suggests that an individual with this name was known for being agile, swift, or easy-going. The Croatian variant of the surname, Laka, began to appear in records during the late Middle Ages and continued to spread throughout the region in subsequent centuries.

Overall, the origins of the Laka surname are diverse, with roots in both Iberia and the Balkans. Its geographical dispersal suggests a rich history that includes migrations, cultural exchanges, and the blending of various cultures over time.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Laka"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 13 June 2025

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