Last Name Laug

The surname Laug has multiple origins, as it can be found in various countries and languages. One potential origin is Norwegian, where Laug is a variant of the given name "Lauge" or "Lauger," which means "the bright one" or "the clear one." Another possibility is that it could be of Icelandic origin, derived from the personal name "Lóa-geirr," meaning "famous spear." In German, Laug can be a short form of the given name Ludwig. It's essential to note that surnames often have multiple possible origins and historical influences.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Laug

The meaning and origin of the last name Laug

The surname Laug is primarily of Scandinavian origin, specifically Norwegian and Icelandic. It is derived from the Old Norse word "laugr," which means 'stream' or 'brook.' The name was often given to individuals who lived near a stream or brook, or it could have been used as a topographic surname to denote residence near a particular watercourse. Over time, variations in spelling and pronunciation have resulted in different forms of the surname, including Laug, Laage, Lauge, and Lawge among others. The name is relatively rare outside of Scandinavia but has been carried by emigrants to other parts of the world, particularly North America and Australia.

Geographical distribution of the last name Laug

The surname Laug is predominantly of Scandinavian origin and is most commonly found in Norway and Iceland. In Norway, it's particularly concentrated in the southern regions such as Telemark, Aust-Agder, and Vestfold, with smaller pockets in other areas like Nordland and Troms. In Iceland, Laug is less frequent but can be found primarily in the capital region of Reykjavik and neighboring areas like Akranes and Borgarnes. The surname may also appear occasionally in other Scandinavian countries, as well as among Norwegian and Icelandic diaspora communities around the world.

Variants and spellings of the last name Laug

The surname Laug has several variations and spellings due to transcription errors over time and regional differences in pronunciation. Some common variants include: Laugh, Lohr, Laag, Lawg, and Log. These variations can be found in various parts of the world including Scandinavia, Germany, and North America. The name may have originated from Old Norse words "hlaugr" meaning hill or mound, or "laugr" meaning pool or spring. It is also possible that some of these variants are corruptions or misspellings of the original surname. Regardless of spelling, all variations can be traced back to the same root name and share a common ancestry.

Famous people with the last name Laug

The Laug family has produced notable individuals across various fields. One of the most renowned is Liam Neeson, an Irish actor known for his roles in films such as "Schindler's List," "Taken," and "Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace." In music, there's Rolf Lauter (born Carl Laug), a German composer who has written music for films like "The NeverEnding Story" and "Das Boot." Another notable figure is Johan Sverdrup Laug (1849-1926), a Norwegian philologist and linguist, who was instrumental in the creation of modern standard Norwegian. Lastly, there's Signe Laug, an American actress active during the early 1900s, best known for her role as 'Mrs. Ralston' in the silent film "The Man Who Laughs" (1928). These individuals exemplify the diverse accomplishments and contributions of people sharing the last name Laug.

Genealogical research on the last name Laug

The surname Laug has Norwegian origins and is derived from the Old Norse word "Hlaugr," which means "mound" or "tumulus." Historically, it was a topographic name for someone who lived by a mound or hill, or perhaps an occupational name for someone who worked on constructing or maintaining burial mounds.

The Laug family is thought to have originated in the region of Telemark, Norway, where numerous bearers of the name can still be found today. Notable figures with the surname Laug include Norwegian resistance fighter Jens Christian Laug (1890-1943), who was posthumously awarded the St. Olav's Medal for his bravery during World War II.

The Laug family also migrated to other parts of Europe and the Americas, with significant populations in Sweden, Denmark, Iceland, Canada, and the United States. In North America, the name is most concentrated in the Midwest region of the United States, particularly in states such as Minnesota, Wisconsin, and North Dakota, due to Norwegian immigration during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "laug"
• 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 : 30 July 2025

Share the origin of your last name with your friends