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Last Name Lat

What is the origin of the last name Lat?

The last name "Lat" is of French origin. It is derived from the Old French word "Lait," meaning "milk," and is likely an occupational surname given to someone who worked in the dairy industry or was involved in milk production or distribution. The name may also have originated from a geographical location or as a descriptive nickname for someone with a fair or milk-white complexion.

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Learn more about the origin of the last name Lat

The meaning and origin of the last name Lat

The surname Lat is of French origin, derived from the Old French word "lat," meaning "broad" or "wide." It is believed to have originated as a topographic name for someone who lived near a broad or wide area, such as a wide expanse of land or a wide waterway. Alternatively, it may have been used as a nickname for someone who was broad or wide in stature. The surname Lat is relatively rare and is found predominantly in France and other French-speaking regions. Over time, variations of the surname have emerged, such as Latte, Lath, and Latt, each with slightly different spellings but with similar meanings and origins. Today, individuals with the surname Lat can be found in various parts of the world, often tracing their ancestry back to France.

Geographical distribution of the last name Lat

The last name Lat is most commonly found in Indonesia, particularly in regions such as Jakarta, West Java, and Central Java. It is also prevalent in Malaysia, where it is most commonly found in Kuala Lumpur and Penang. The name is also present in the Philippines, mainly in Manila and the surrounding provinces. In addition, there are smaller populations of individuals with the last name Lat in countries such as the United States, Canada, and Australia, with concentrations in major cities like New York, Toronto, and Sydney. Overall, the geographical distribution of the last name Lat is primarily centered in Southeast Asia, with pockets of individuals with the name residing in other parts of the world due to migration and global mobility.

Variants and spellings of the last name Lat

The last name "Lat" can appear in various variations and spellings, including "Latt," "Lath," "Lattt," "Lathh," "Latte," and "Lathh." Other possible variations may include "Lathh" or "Laat," depending on regional influences or changes in pronunciation over time. These variations can be attributed to differences in phonetic interpretation, dialectal distinctions, or even typos in official records. Despite the variations in spelling, the surname "Lat" and its derivatives all likely stem from a common ancestral origin. This diverse array of spellings adds to the complexity and richness of individual family histories, reflecting the dynamic nature of language and the evolving nature of surnames over generations.

Famous people with the last name Lat

Some famous people with the last name Lat include actor and comedian Nick Swardson, known for his roles in films like "The Benchwarmers" and "Grandma's Boy." Indonesian entrepreneur Nadiem Makarim, the co-founder and former CEO of Go-Jek, a ride-hailing and online payment platform, is also a prominent figure with the last name Lat. Additionally, cartoonist and children's book author, Lat, whose real name is Mohammad Nor Khalid, is a well-known Malaysian artist famous for his comic strip "Kampung Boy." These individuals have made significant contributions to their respective fields, whether it be through entertainment, technology, or art, and have achieved success and recognition for their talents and hard work.

Genealogical research on the last name Lat

The last name Lat is of French origin and is believed to derive from the Old French word "lat," meaning "wide" or "broad." This surname may have originally been used to describe someone who was broad-shouldered or had a wide stance. The Lat surname is found predominantly in France, particularly in regions such as Brittany and Normandy. The earliest recorded instances of the Lat surname date back to the medieval period, and individuals bearing this surname were typically of noble or aristocratic descent. Over time, the Lat surname may have spread to other countries through migration and immigration. Variants of the Lat surname include Latt, Latté, Latour, and Delat, among others. Researching the genealogy of the Lat surname may reveal a rich history of noble ancestry and connections to prominent families in France.

Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
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 April 2025

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