The surname Lapp is primarily associated with the Plautdietsch-speaking Mennonite communities originating from Eastern Europe, particularly from the Prussian region of Russia (now part of Ukraine and Belarus). The name derives from the Old High German word "lapp" meaning "lap" or "fold," which was used as a nickname for someone who had a physical characteristic resembling a fold or lap. Some Lapps may also be of Finnic origin, as the term Lapp was historically used in northern Europe to refer to the indigenous Sami people. However, it's important to note that surnames often have multiple origins and variations, so this is not an exhaustive explanation for all instances of the Lapp surname.
The surname Lapp is of Germanic origin, specifically associated with the region of East Prussia, which is now part of Poland and Russia. Originally, it was a nickname derived from the Middle High German word "Lappe," meaning 'rag' or 'patched coat.' This name could have been used to refer to someone who wore patched clothing or to someone who repaired clothes, giving them a patched appearance. Over time, this surname evolved and spread across various countries due to migration patterns, particularly among German settlers in North America. Today, the Lapp surname can be found worldwide, with significant populations in Germany, the United States, Canada, and other countries with a strong Germanic influence.
Geographical distribution of the last name Lapp
The surname Lapp has a significant concentration in Northern Europe, particularly in Scandinavia and Finland, where it is believed to have originated from the Finnish word "lappi," meaning "land." In Scandinavia, variations such as Lappland or Lapland are regions inhabited by the indigenous Sami people, who share the Lapp/Lapland surname with some of their ancestors. The name also appears in Germany and other parts of Europe due to historical migrations. In North America, a substantial number of individuals with the last name Lapp trace their ancestry back to early Finnish settlers, particularly in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, where they established communities such as Lappala and Laporte. A smaller presence can also be found in other parts of the United States and Canada, primarily due to migration from Scandinavia and Finland.
Variants and spellings of the last name Lapp
The surname Lapp has several variations and spellings due to historical transcription errors and regional dialects. Some common versions include Lapp, Lap, Lappé, Laap, Lappe, and Lappe. In German-speaking regions, the name may be spelled Laaf or Leef, while in Scandinavian countries, it can appear as Ljup, Ljupp, or Lypp. Additionally, there are also unique regional variations such as Labb (Finland) and Łap (Poland). These variations highlight the global reach of the surname and its diverse origins.
Famous people with the last name Lapp
Notable individuals with the surname Lapp include:
1. Dan Lapp (born 1946), an American college football coach and former player. He served as head coach at Wake Forest University from 1973 to 1978 and at the United States Naval Academy from 1985 to 1990.
2. Jocelyn Bell Burnell (born 1943), a British astrophysicist, who played a crucial role in the discovery of pulsars while working as a postgraduate student at Cambridge University in 1967. Although she did not receive a Nobel Prize for her work, she has been awarded numerous honors and awards, including the Special Breakthrough Prize in Fundamental Physics and the Order of Merit.
3. Katarzyna Lapp-Hauswirth (born 1982), a Polish violinist who won the Young Concert Artists International Auditions in 2006. She has since performed as a soloist with various orchestras and released several albums.
4. Pauline Johnson (Teyoninhokarawen, 1861-1913), a Canadian poet of Mohawk and English descent, also known as "The Mohawk Princess." Her work combined elements of both her ancestral indigenous culture and her English heritage. She gained fame through her performances and published several collections of poetry during her lifetime.
5. Randy Lapp (born 1960), an American professional wrestler who competed under the ring name "The Warlord" in the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) during the late 1980s. He is a two-time WWF Tag Team Champion, having held the titles with Power and Glory partner Barry Horowitz.
Genealogical research on the last name Lapp
The surname Lapp is primarily of German origin, derived from the Middle High German word "laph" which means 'lap' or 'fold'. It has been suggested that the name may have been originally an occupational name for someone who worked with leather, shaping it into folds or lap-like structures. The name also appears in Scandinavian countries and is thought to have been brought there by Viking settlers. In Scandinavia, Lapp can refer to a person from Lapland, the northernmost regions of Norway, Sweden, and Finland, which were inhabited by Sami people, known as Lapps or Sami in other languages. Over time, the name has spread across the globe due to migrations and assimilation. Notable individuals with the surname Lapp include American politician John Lapp and Canadian ice hockey player Mark Lapp.
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