Last Name Lala

The surname Lala is of Hindi origin and is commonly found among Indian families. It is a patronymic name derived from the given name "Lal," which means red, crimson, or scarlet in Hindi. As with many surnames, it may have been used as a nickname for someone who had red hair or wore red clothing, or it could have been bestowed upon someone born during a festival where red was significant. However, the exact origin and historical background of each instance of this surname can vary depending on individual family history.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Lala

The meaning and origin of the last name Lala

The surname Lala is primarily of Arabic origin, derived from the word "laila," which means night in Arabic. This name has been adopted by various cultures, particularly in countries with significant Arabic influences such as India and Pakistan. In these regions, it is often spelled as "Lala" or "Laala." Over time, it may have also been anglicized to variations like Lalla, LaLle, or LaLah. The surname Lala can be found among various communities and does not necessarily indicate Arabic descent, as names are sometimes adopted or changed during migration or cultural assimilation. However, its origins in the Arabic language suggest a connection to the Middle East or North Africa.

Geographical distribution of the last name Lala

The last name Lala is predominantly found in West Africa, particularly in countries such as Nigeria, Cameroon, and Ghana, where it is considered a common surname due to its indigenous origins. In Nigeria, the Igbo tribe accounts for a significant portion of individuals bearing this surname. Beyond West Africa, there are also communities with the Lala surname in other African countries like Uganda and Tanzania, attributed to migration and cultural assimilation over centuries. Additionally, the name has been introduced to various parts of the world through diaspora movements, particularly to North America and Europe, where it is less common but gradually becoming more prevalent due to immigration from West Africa.

Variants and spellings of the last name Lala

The surname Lala can be found with several variations and spelling differences depending on the region and language. Some common spelling variants include: LaLa, Lalah, Lalla, LaLle, LaLla, and Lallah. These variations may originate from different cultures or linguistic influences. In English, it could be a misspelling or phonetic adaptation of the original name. In Arabic, Lala is a diminutive of Aisha or other female names ending with -Aisha. It's also used as a standalone name in certain regions. In Hebrew, LaLa might be an alternate spelling for Leibowitz or Liebman. In Sanskrit, Lalita is a popular feminine name. These variations highlight the diverse cultural backgrounds that the surname Lala may represent.

Famous people with the last name Lala

Notable individuals with the surname Lala include Reginald F. Lewis (1942-1993), an American businessman and philanthropist who was the first African American to head a Fortune 500 company, TTCN-3 co-inventor Ahmed Ibrahim Lala (born 1946), and Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra (born 1963), an Indian film director known for movies like "Rang De Basanti" and "Bhaag Milkha Bhaag." In music, Snoop Dogg's professional name, Calvin Cordozar Broadus Jr., was briefly changed to Snoopzilla Lala in 2015 as part of a collaboration with Major Lazer. Lastly, Maulana Tariq Jameel, a prominent Pakistani Islamic scholar and preacher, also goes by the name Moulvi Lala.

Genealogical research on the last name Lala

The Lala surname is predominantly found in various parts of Africa, specifically in countries such as Nigeria, Cameroon, and Uganda, with possible origins from the Yoruba tribe in Nigeria. The name is derived from a tribal or occupational name for a court musician, "l'ale," meaning drummer. However, it's important to note that surnames were not traditionally used in Africa before colonial rule, so many African names, including Lala, became surnames during the European colonization process. In the diaspora, particularly in North America and Europe, the Lala name has also been associated with individuals of Nigerian descent due to migration patterns. Genealogical research on this name can be challenging due to the lack of historical records in many African countries, but resources such as ancestry databases, family histories, and scholarly works can provide valuable insights into the Lala lineage.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Lala"
• 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 : 28 July 2025

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