Last Name Lanzon

Learn more about the origin of the last name Lanzon

The meaning and origin of the last name Lanzon

The surname Lanzon is of Spanish origin, stemming from the medieval period. It derives from the Old Castilian word "lanza," meaning "lance" or "spear." This name would have been used to denote a craftsman who specialized in making lances or spears, or it could also have been a nickname given to someone who was skilled in combat with these weapons. Over time, the name evolved from Lanza to Lanzon as it spread across Spain and its territories. The name is relatively uncommon today but can be found predominantly among Spanish-speaking populations, particularly in Spain, Mexico, and other Latin American countries.

Geographical distribution of the last name Lanzon

The last name Lanzon is predominantly distributed across Spain, particularly in the autonomous communities of Castile and León, Galicia, and Madrid. It is also found in the Balearic Islands, specifically in Mallorca. Outside of Spain, the distribution of this surname is significantly less common but can be found in Argentina, Colombia, Cuba, Mexico, Peru, Philippines, and Puerto Rico due to historical migration patterns. In these countries, Lanzon has been adopted as a patronymic or taken on by descendants of Spanish immigrants. It is also present in smaller numbers in the United States, particularly in Florida, where it was brought over during the Spanish colonial era.

Variants and spellings of the last name Lanzon

The surname Lanzon has various spellings and variations, reflecting its origins and adaptations over time. Some common variations include Lanzon, Lansón, Lansone, Lanson, Lazon, L'Anson, Lanceau, and Landson. These differences can be attributed to factors such as regional dialects, transcription errors, and assimilation during immigration. The name is primarily of Spanish origin, derived from the Occitan word "lansan," meaning "large stone." It may also have French origins, stemming from the occupational name "Lancier," a knight or spearman. Regardless of its spelling, the Lanzon surname shares a common heritage and history with other bearers of this name.

Famous people with the last name Lanzon

Notable individuals with the surname Lanzon include:

1. Jorge Lanzón (born 1962), a Cuban-American artist known for his sculptures and installations that address social and political issues. His work has been exhibited worldwide, including at the Venice Biennale and the Whitney Museum of American Art.

2. Mariano Lanzón (1843-1906), a Spanish politician and journalist who served as Minister of State during the reigns of Alfonso XII and Alfonso XIII. He was a prominent member of the Liberal Party and played a key role in Spain's political landscape during the late 19th century.

3. Eduardo Lanzón (born 1967), a Spanish journalist, writer, and television presenter. He has worked for various media outlets, including Televisión Española, La Sexta, and Antena 3, and is known for his work on political news programs.

4. Manuel Lanzón (1882-1965), a Spanish painter associated with the Generation of '14 movement. His works often depicted landscapes and rural scenes, and he was influenced by Impressionism and Fauvism.

5. Carlos Lanzón (born 1970), a Puerto Rican professional golfer who has played on the PGA Tour since 1993. He won the Puerto Rico Open in 2006, marking his first victory on the tour.

Genealogical research on the last name Lanzon

The surname Lanzon is of Spanish origin, derived from the word "lance," meaning spear or lance. It is primarily found in regions such as Castile and León, Navarre, and Aragon, where it is believed to have been borne by a soldier who distinguished himself in battle with a lance. Over time, this noble family expanded across Spain, with notable branches established in cities like Madrid, Bilbao, and Valencia. The Lanzon family tree includes figures of note in various fields; for instance, Diego Lanzón de Román y Zúñiga (1548-1607) was a Spanish lawyer and politician who served as President of the Council of Castile under King Philip II. In the modern era, the Lanzon family can be found across the globe, with significant diasporas in countries such as the United States, Mexico, Argentina, Venezuela, and the Philippines, where they have made their mark in business, politics, academia, and the arts.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Lanzon"
• 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