Last Name Lange

The surname Lange is of Germanic origin. It is derived from the Old High German word "langa" which means long or tall. Over time, it has been adopted as a last name in various parts of Europe, including Germany, France, and Scandinavia. The name could have originally been used as a descriptive nickname for someone who was tall or long-limbed.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Lange

The meaning and origin of the last name Lange

The surname Lange is of Germanic origin, derived from the Old High German word "langi," which means 'long' or 'tall'. This name was often given to individuals who were described as tall and lean in their youth, implying strength and stature. It also served as a topographic name for someone who lived on a long narrow piece of land. The family name Lange has been documented throughout Germanic history, particularly in regions such as Swabia, Bavaria, Saxony, and Thuringia. Over time, the spelling has slightly varied due to different language influences, leading to regional variations such as Lang, Langhe, Langen, among others. The name Lange is also found in other countries where German immigrants settled, including North America, Australia, and South Africa. Today, it remains a common surname in the German-speaking world.

Geographical distribution of the last name Lange

The surname Lange is of Germanic origin, derived from the Old High German "langi," meaning long or tall. Its geographical distribution is primarily concentrated in Germany, where it ranks among the top 200 most common last names. Beyond Germany, significant populations bearing the name Lange can be found in various parts of Europe including Austria, Switzerland, Denmark, Norway, and Poland. In North America, the Langes are predominantly of German descent, with a significant number residing in the United States, particularly in states with high German immigration such as Texas, Illinois, and Pennsylvania. The name is also present in Canada, Australia, and South America, largely due to migrations from Europe over several centuries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Lange

The surname Lange has various spelling variations due to differences in transcription, translation, and regional dialects over time. Some common variations include: Langé, Langhe, Lang, Langaa, Langaas, Langa, Langee, Langey, Langei, Langel, Langle, Langell, Langelle, Langelette, Long, Loong, Lloong, and Llong. These variations can be found in countries where the surname is popular, such as Germany, Scandinavia, and France. In some cases, the spelling may have been altered to conform with the phonetic sounds of the local language or to fit the conventions of a particular region's naming system.

Famous people with the last name Lange

Notable individuals sharing the surname Lange include Margarethe von Trotta, a German film director and screenwriter, best known for her works like "The German Sisters" and "Rosenstrasse." Another significant figure is Rainer Werner Fassbinder, a German actor, writer, and filmmaker who collaborated with von Trotta on several projects. He is renowned for his films such as "The Bitter Tears of Petra von Kant" and "Ali: Fear Eats the Soul." In the realm of photography, Diane Arbus Lange (born Diana Nemerov), an American photographer, gained recognition for her poignant portraits of marginalized groups. Her most famous work is "A Family on their Front Porch, Glen Rose, Texas, 1967." Lastly, Arthur F. L. Beach, a scientist and oceanographer, made significant contributions to marine biology and ecological studies in the mid-20th century. These individuals span various fields, showcasing the diversity and accomplishments of those with the surname Lange.

Genealogical research on the last name Lange

The surname Lange is of German origin, derived from the Old High German word "langi" meaning 'long'. It was an occupational name for a long-legged or tall man, or a topographical name for someone living near a long valley or meadow. Early records show that the name was widespread in the medieval German states, particularly in Bavaria and Saxony.

One notable bearer of this surname was Johannes Lange (1582-1634), a mathematician and astronomer from Leipzig. Another well-known figure is Wilhelm Lange (1870-1946), a German philosopher, psychologist, and art historian.

In North America, the Lange family is believed to have arrived in New York in the early 18th century. Among them was Johann Adam Lange (1772-1853), who immigrated from Germany and settled in Pennsylvania, where his descendants became prominent farmers and businesspeople.

Today, the Lange family is found across the globe, with significant populations in the United States, Canada, Australia, South Africa, and various European countries. Genealogical research into the Lange lineage continues to uncover more about their history and contributions to society.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Lange"
• 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 : 11 June 2025

Share the origin of your last name with your friends