What is the origin of the last name Lasson?

The surname Lasson is of French origin. It is derived from a place name in Normandy, which was originally known as "La Saule," meaning "the willow tree" in French. Over time, this name evolved into various forms, including Lassalle and Lasson. This surname may have been acquired by someone who lived near or originated from the place named La Saule.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Lasson

The meaning and origin of the last name Lasson

The surname Lasson is of Old Norse origin, stemming from the Viking age settlements in Scandinavia and Northern Europe. It is derived from the personal name "Lausi" or "Lauson," which means "loose" or "free." Over time, this name evolved into the modern form we know as Lasson. The surname was brought to England by the Danes during their invasions in the 9th and 10th centuries, and it eventually became established throughout northern England, particularly in counties such as Yorkshire and Lincolnshire. As family names developed in the Middle Ages, some bearers of the name Lasson would have migrated to other parts of Europe, carrying their distinctive surname with them. Today, the Lasson family is found across the English-speaking world, with concentrations in Scandinavia, the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States, and Australia.

Geographical distribution of the last name Lasson

The surname Lasson is predominantly found in France and Scandinavian countries, particularly Norway and Denmark. In France, it is most prevalent in regions such as Nord-Pas-de-Calais, Brittany, and the Loire Valley, reflecting a historical connection to these areas. The name also has a significant presence in Norway, with high concentrations in the western counties of Rogaland, Hordaland, and Sogn og Fjordane. In Denmark, it is most common in the Jutland peninsula and Copenhagen region. The presence of Lasson families can also be found in smaller numbers in other countries, including Germany, England, and the United States, primarily as a result of immigration from France and Scandinavia over several centuries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Lasson

The surname Lasson has several variations and spellings. The most common are Lascon, Lesson, Leason, Laisson, and Lasson. These variations may be due to differences in spelling conventions over time or regional dialects. Other less common variants include Lasan, Lesen, and Lason. In some cases, the name may also appear as a first name, such as Elaso or Isaso, particularly in certain regions or cultures. It is important to note that these variations are not exclusive, and individuals with the surname Lasson may spell it differently based on personal preference, family tradition, or local custom.

Famous people with the last name Lasson

The Lasson surname is associated with several prominent figures across various fields. In literature, Leon L'Heron de Lasson (1827-1906), also known as Leon Lassell, was a French-born American writer and poet who served as the U.S. Consul General in Liverpool during the American Civil War. In science, Edith Lasson (1884-1963) made significant contributions to the field of cytogenetics. Born in Russia, she was the first woman to receive a Ph.D. from the University of Göttingen in Germany and later moved to the U.S., where she worked at Caltech and Columbia University. In politics, Jean-Baptiste Lassalle (1760-1825) was a French politician who served as the Prefect of the Seine under Napoleon I, and later became the Mayor of Paris under Louis-Philippe. These individuals showcase the global influence and diversity of the Lasson surname across different eras and disciplines.

Genealogical research on the last name Lasson

The surname Lasson originates from France, specifically Normandy and Brittany regions. It is an occupational name derived from the Old Norse word "lassr" meaning "a servant," which was brought to France by the Vikings during their invasions. Over time, it evolved into various forms such as Lascon, Lassonne, and Lasnier in French records.

One of the earliest known bearers of the name is Richard Lasson, who was recorded in Normandy around 1035 AD. The family spread throughout France during the Middle Ages, with notable mentions in regions like Picardy and Champagne. The Lassons emigrated to England following the Norman Conquest in 1066, where they became part of the Anglo-Norman nobility.

In the 17th century, some Lasson families moved to Germany, adopting regional variations like Laschen or Laschin. The name also spread to other European countries such as Belgium and the Netherlands due to marriages, trade, and religious migrations during this period. By the 19th century, significant numbers of Lassons could be found in the United States, Canada, Australia, and South Africa, having emigrated for economic opportunities or fleeing religious persecution.

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NomOrigine Team
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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.

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