Last Name Lalane

The surname Lalane is of French origin. It is a variant of the more common French surname Lan, which is derived from various places named Laun or Lezoun in Normandy and Brittany. These place names are believed to originate from the Old Celtic word "lann" meaning "a church or shrine." Over time, the spelling and pronunciation of these names have evolved into various forms, including Lalane.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Lalane

The meaning and origin of the last name Lalane

The surname Lalane is of French origin, specifically from the region of Brittany. It's derived from various place names in France that contain the element "Lan", which means "rock" or "stone" in Breton. Over time, these placenames were adopted as surnames by inhabitants who moved away from their original homes. The variation Lalane may have evolved due to spelling variations over centuries or regional differences in pronunciation. As with many surnames, the exact origin of Lalane can be traced back to a specific location, but the migration and natural evolution of names makes it difficult to pinpoint an individual person as the source of the surname.

Geographical distribution of the last name Lalane

The surname Lalane has a concentrated distribution predominantly in Brittany, France, specifically in the Morbihan department. It is associated with the Breton ethnicity and language, although it can also be found elsewhere in France, albeit less frequently. Beyond France, the name is scarcely represented globally, with minor occurrences in other French-speaking countries like Belgium and Canada. However, due to migration over the past few centuries, a small number of Lalane descendants have settled in various parts of the world, such as the United States, Australia, and South America, although they remain relatively uncommon outside their original geographical regions.

Variants and spellings of the last name Lalane

The surname Lalane can have various spellings and variants due to differences in transcription, pronunciation, and regional dialects. Some common variations include:

1. LaLaine - This variant is often seen when spaces are omitted between the given name and surname, or when the name is written using an apostrophe instead of a space.
2. L'Aleine - A French-influenced spelling, where the accent over the first 'a' indicates pronunciation similar to the French word "à".
3. LaLain - This variation is typically seen when the final 'e' is omitted in some regions or transcriptions.
4. Lalayne - An alternate spelling that may result from phonetic variations, misspellings, or creative spellings.
5. Lalanee - A feminine variant that adds an additional 'e' at the end to indicate a female name-bearer.

Famous people with the last name Lalane

Notable individuals with the surname Lalane include:

1. Judy LalaNE (born 1946), an American actress known for her roles in television series such as "Hawaii Five-O" and "Kojak."
2. David Lalane (born 1978), a Canadian ice hockey player who played professionally for teams including the New York Rangers and Vancouver Canucks.
3. James LalaNE (1943-2018), an American politician who served as a member of the California State Senate from 1996 to 2018.
4. Aurelie Lalane, a French musician and singer-songwriter who has released multiple albums since her debut in 2005.

These individuals have made significant contributions to various fields such as acting, sports, politics, and music.

Genealogical research on the last name Lalane

The Lalane surname, originating from France, is primarily found in the regions of Pyrénées-Atlantiques and Haute-Garonne. Its earliest known origin can be traced back to the medieval era, with records suggesting that it derived from a place name, specifically from the village of Lalanne in the Gers department. The name is composed of the Old Occitan word "lau" meaning "stream" or "brook," and "lana" meaning "wool." Over time, this family name spread to other regions within France and beyond due to migration, particularly during the 17th and 18th centuries. Notable individuals bearing the Lalane surname include Pierre Lalane, a French architect who was active in the late 16th century, and Joseph-François Lalanne, a renowned 19th-century sculptor. Genealogical research indicates that the family name has maintained a presence in France, as well as in other countries where French settlers have immigrated, such as Canada and the United States.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "lalane"
• 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 : 30 July 2025

Share the origin of your last name with your friends