Origin of your surname and forename !
NomOrigine

Last Name Lategan

Discover my family history now

What is the origin of the last name Lategan?

The surname Lategan is of Afrikaner origin, specifically from South Africa. It is derived from the Dutch-Afrikaans given name "Late" which means 'late' or 'delayed', and was often used as a nickname for someone born later in the year. The surname Lategan was formed by adding the '-an' suffix, a common practice in Afrikaans and Dutch names.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Lategan

The meaning and origin of the last name Lategan

The surname Lategan is a patronymic name of Dutch and Afrikaans origin, derived from the given name "Late" or "Laatje". It means "little late" in Dutch, due to its roots being derived from the word "laat", meaning 'late', and the diminutive suffix "-je" or "-gan". The name emerged among the early Dutch and Flemish settlers in South Africa, particularly in the Cape Colony, where it has since been widely adopted by Afrikaans-speaking descendants. Over time, variations such as Lateganus, Laatjegan, and Lattegan have also arisen due to changes in spelling and pronunciation.

Geographical distribution of the last name Lategan

The surname Lategan has its roots in South Africa, particularly among Afrikaners, who are descendants of Dutch and French Huguenot settlers. It is most prevalent in the Western Cape province, specifically in cities like Cape Town, Stellenbosch, and Paarl, reflecting the historical distribution of Dutch influence in South Africa. The name also appears in smaller numbers in other parts of Southern Africa, such as Namibia and Zimbabwe, due to migration and colonization over time. In a global context, the majority of individuals with the surname Lategan reside in South Africa, with a significant diaspora in countries like the United Kingdom, United States, Australia, and New Zealand, where Afrikaners migrated during the 20th century.

Variants and spellings of the last name Lategan

The surname Lategan has several variations and spellings due to different transcription methods over time. Some common variations include Latagan, Lattegan, Lategan, Lataigan, and Latagen. These variations may arise from minor misspellings or regional dialects. Additionally, the name could have been anglicized from its original Dutch form, De Laet, De Laite, or De Latega, which translates to "from the meadow" in English. The surname Lategan is most common in South Africa and the Netherlands, reflecting its historical roots in these regions.

Famous people with the last name Lategan

Notable individuals with the surname Latigan include:

1. Piet Latigán (born 1946), a South African former professional tennis player who reached the quarterfinals of the Australian Open and Wimbledon in his career.
2. Tebogo Mokwena Latigane (born 1987), a South African football striker who has played for several clubs, including Bidvest Wits, Orlando Pirates, and AmaZulu FC.
3. Elri Latu (born 1992), a professional rugby union player of mixed Maori-Afrikaner descent, currently playing for the Canterbury Crusaders in New Zealand's Super Rugby competition.
4. Adrian Lategan (born 1956), a South African astrophysicist known for his research on active galactic nuclei and supernovae. He is the current head of the Department of Astronomy at the University of Cape Town.

Genealogical research on the last name Lategan

The Lategan surname is of Afrikaans origin and is primarily found in South Africa. It is derived from the Dutch and Flemish surname "Latinus," meaning Latin or Roman, which was given as a nickname to someone who was considered learned or educated. The name underwent changes over time due to various factors such as phonetic spelling variations, migration, and local dialects. Notable individuals with the Lategan surname include Johannes Lategan, a South African rugby union player, and Tertius Lategan, a former Springbok captain. The Lategan family is believed to have originated from the Cape Colony in South Africa and has since spread across various regions of the country. Genealogical research on this surname can be challenging due to the lack of comprehensive records, but resources such as South African ancestry websites, archives, and historical societies can provide valuable insights into its history and lineage.

Last name distribution maps

Chargement de la carte...

NomOrigine Team
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 :

Share the origin of your last name with your friends

Twitter Facebook LinkedIn Pinterest WhatsApp Messenger Telegram

Search the origin of a family name

Enter the surname you are looking for below:

Similar Last Names

#1 Lata

Last name • surnames > lata

The surname Lata is of Italian origin and is derived from various places with that name found throughout Italy. Some possible sources include Lata in Piacenza, Lata in Reggio Emili...

#2 Lataillade

Last name • surnames > lataillade

The surname Lataillade is of French origin. It is derived from a place name, specifically from various locations named La Taille or La Taillée in France, which mean "small clearin...

#3 Latak zai

Last name • surnames > latak-zai

The surname "Latak Zai" is of Pashto origin from Afghanistan. It is a tribal or clan name indicating the family's ancestral origin or affiliation within the Pashtun community. The ...

#4 Latamene

Last name • surnames > latamene

The last name "Latamene" does not have a definitive origin or meaning as it is a rare surname and may not be well-documented in historical records. It is possible that the surname ...

#5 Lataoui

Last name • surnames > lataoui

The last name "Lataoui" is of Maghrebi (North African) origin, most likely from Morocco or Algeria. It is derived from the Berber word "atawi" or "iṭawi," which means "servant" o...

#6 Latapie

Last name • surnames > latapie

The origin of the last name "Latapie" can be traced back to France. It is a French surname that is often found in the southwestern region of the country, particularly in the region...

#7 Latapy

Last name • surnames > latapy

The surname Latapy is believed to have originated from the Basque region in Spain and the southern part of France. It's one of several Basque surnames that were distributed among t...

#8 Latayan

Last name • surnames > latayan

The last name "Latayan" is of Filipino origin. It is derived from the Tagalog word "latay," which means to strike or smack. It is likely that the surname was originally given to so...

#9 Latchman

Last name • surnames > latchman

The surname Latchman is of English origin and is derived from an occupational name for a gatekeeper or lodge-keeper. It comes from the Middle English "latche" meaning latch or bolt...

#10 Latchuk

Last name • surnames > latchuk

The last name Latchuk is of Ukrainian origin. It is derived from the Old Ukrainian personal name Lachei.

#11 Late khushi

Last name • surnames > late-khushi

The last name "Late Khushi" is of Indian origin. The surname "Late" is a common Marathi surname indicating the family's ancestral village or town. "Khushi" is a Hindi word meaning ...

#12 Lāťèèf

Last name • surnames > l-eef

The last name "Leef" is of Dutch origin. It is derived from the Middle Dutch word "leef," meaning "dear" or "beloved." It is likely an occupational surname for someone who worked a...

#13 Lateef khan

Last name • surnames > lateef-khan

The last name "Khan" is of Central Asian and South Asian origin, and is commonly used among Muslim populations. The name Lateef is of Arabic origin, meaning "kind" or "gentle."

#14 Lateef pai

Last name • surnames > lateef-pai

The last name "Lateef Pai" has origins in India. "Lateef" is an Arabic name meaning "kind" or "gentle," often used as a first name in Islamic cultures. "Pai" is a common surname in...

#15 Lateff

Last name • surnames > lateff

The surname Lateff is of uncertain origin. It does not have a clear etymology or known specific cultural or linguistic background. It is possibly a variation or anglicization of a ...