NomOrigine Background

Last Name Laun

What is the origin of the last name Laun?

The surname Laun has roots that can be traced back to various European countries, with multiple possible origins. 1. German Origin: One theory suggests that the name could be a variant of the Germanic personal name "Lau," meaning "land" or "open field." Surnames emerged during the Middle Ages as a way to differentiate individuals within a community and often originated from occupations, geographical locations, or personal characteristics. 2. Dutch Origin: The name Laun may also have Dutch origins, derived from the place-name "Laan," which is found in several regions of the Netherlands. This could indicate that people bearing this surname once lived near one of these places or were named after a person who did. 3. Scandinavian Origin: In Scandinavia, Laun may be a diminutive form of the personal name "Lawrence," which originated from the Latin "Laurentius." This name is derived from the word "laurus" meaning "laurel," symbolizing victory and triumph in ancient Rome. It's important to note that the exact origin of a surname can often be difficult to pinpoint, as they have evolved over time and were sometimes altered due to various factors such as migration, linguistic changes, or phonetic shifts. If you are researching your family history, further investigation into specific records and genealogical resources may help provide more definitive answers about the origin of the Laun surname in your particular case.

Unlock and discover the hidden secrets of the surname Laun

Unlock the Secrets of Your Surname Now

For only 3.95 $, you get:

  • Full access for 7 days
  • Unlimited access to all name and surname profiles
  • High-quality Origin Certificate
  • Download: Keep a precious memory with your origins downloadable in PDF format.
  • Unlimited search
  • Ad-Free: Enjoy a smooth and uninterrupted user experience.
  • ✅ 15-Day Money-Back Satisfaction Guarantee!
Unlock the Secrets of Your Surname Now
🎁 Special offer today: 3.95 $ instead of 6.95 $
⏳ This exclusive offer expires in:

✅ 15-Day Money-Back Satisfaction Guarantee!

What our users say

“I discovered fascinating details about my family history. This service is amazing for tracing our roots!” - Jean D.

“This site strengthened our sense of family belonging by uncovering our origins. Highly recommended!” - Marie L.

“The information was detailed and accurate. I learned interesting facts about my ancestors. A must-have!” - Paul S.

✅ Join the 5,000+ people who have already discovered the fascinating history of their last name!

Discover my family history now

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: What will I discover by exploring my last name?
Answer: You will discover the geographical origin, etymology, and unique history of your last name. You can also explore family traditions and historical events connected to it.

Question: How long does it take to access the information?
Answer: Once your payment is confirmed, access is instant. You can start exploring right away.

Question: Are the details about my last name accurate?
Answer: Our data comes from extensive research in reliable archives and historical databases. While we cannot guarantee 100% accuracy, we strive to provide the most complete and precise information possible.

Payment Information

or pay by card

By clicking 'Confirm my payment', you agree to our refund policy, accessible via this link: Refund Policy, as well as our cancellation policy accessible via this link: Cancellation Policy

Learn more about the origin of the last name Laun

The meaning and origin of the last name Laun

The surname Laun is of German origin, deriving from various places with that name in Germany. It is believed to have originated from locations such as Lauen or Lauenstein, which are found in several regions including Baden-Württemberg and Thuringia. The name could also have been a topographic name for someone who lived by a grove or wooded area, as "Lau" means clearing or glade in Old High German. Over time, the surname has been spelled in various ways, including Laune, Launen, and Lauen, reflecting changes in pronunciation and spelling conventions. Today, the Laun family name can be found in many parts of the world due to migration and historical events.

Geographical distribution of the last name Laun

The surname Laun is primarily concentrated in Europe, particularly in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, where it originates from. In Germany, it is most prevalent in the western regions such as North Rhine-Westphalia, Baden-Württemberg, and Hesse. In Austria, it is more common in the eastern provinces like Lower Austria and Burgenland. The surname also has a presence in Switzerland, specifically in German-speaking cantons like Aargau, Thurgau, and Schaffhausen. Additionally, small communities with the Laun surname can be found in other parts of Europe, as well as in North America due to migration from these European countries. The distribution suggests that the name has a strong historical connection to Central Europe but has also spread globally through various migratory patterns over centuries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Laun

The surname Laun has several variations and spellings, primarily due to differences in transcription and translation over time. Some common variants include: Laune, Launey, Lauen, Launer, and von Laun. These variations arise from changes in spelling conventions, regional dialects, or the influence of languages other than English. In some cases, these variations may be due to the incorporation of prefixes such as "van," "von," or "de" which are common in European names. Additionally, surnames may have evolved over time due to clerical errors, migration, or assimilation. For example, Launey could originate from the French version of the German surname "Laune." Despite these variations, all share a common root and can generally be traced back to a single origin.

Famous people with the last name Laun

Notable individuals with the surname Laun include:

1. Frank Laubach (originally Laun), an American author and missionary who developed the "Laubach Method" for adult literacy education.

2. Andreas Laun, an Austrian artist, painter, and designer, known for his work in illustration, comics, and animation.

3. David Laun, a German musician and songwriter who is part of the duo "Schiller."

4. Paul Laun, a French politician who served as the Minister of State for Transport, Housing, and Regional Planning under President François Mitterrand from 1986 to 1988.

5. John Laun, an American engineer who was instrumental in developing NASA's spacecraft parachutes used in the Apollo Moon landing missions and the Space Shuttle program.

Genealogical research on the last name Laun

The surname Laun originates from Germany and is derived from various locations named Lauen or Lauenberg, found primarily in Lower Saxony and Schleswig-Holstein regions. The earliest recorded instance of the name dates back to the 14th century in Saxony. Over time, the spelling variations such as Lawin, Lohne, Laune, and Laun emerged due to differences in transliteration and regional dialects. Many early bearers of the surname immigrated to other European countries, including Denmark, Sweden, and Norway, while some journeyed across the Atlantic to settle in North America during the 18th and 19th centuries. In the United States, the name is most prevalent in states like Pennsylvania, New York, and Wisconsin. The Laun family has a diverse history, with notable figures including the American Revolutionary War soldier Henry Laun and German chemist Heinrich Otto Laun.

Last name distribution maps

Chargement de la carte...

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 : 28 July 2025

Share the origin of your last name with your friends

Search the origin of a family name

Enter the surname you are looking for below:

Similar Last Names

Lau (Last name)

surnames > lau

The last name "Lau" has origins and variations in multiple countries and cultures. 1. Chinese origin: Lau is a Cantonese romanization of the Chinese surname 劉 (Liu in Mandarin),...

Läubli-khatiwada (Last name)

surnames > laubli-khatiwada

The surname Laubli Khatiwada is of mixed origin. "Laubli" is of Swiss origin and "Khatiwada" is of Nepalese origin.

Laubreaux (Last name)

surnames > laubreaux

The surname Laubreaux is of French origin. It comes from the Old French "laboure" meaning "labor" or "plow", and the suffix "-eau" which can denote a place where something is found...

Lauby (Last name)

surnames > lauby

The last name Lauby is of French origin. It is derived from the Old French personal name "Liaub," itself derived from the Latin name "Liber," meaning "free" or "generous." Over tim...

Lauc (Last name)

surnames > lauc

The last name "Lauc" is of Slovenian origin, derived from the personal name Lavrencij, which is the Slovenian form of the name Lawrence. It is believed to have originated from the ...

Laud pathania (Last name)

surnames > laud-pathania

The last name "Pathania" is of Indian origin, specifically from the Himachal Pradesh region. It is commonly found among the Rajput community in India. The name likely derives from ...

Laudan (Last name)

surnames > laudan

The surname "Laudan" is of German origin and is derived from the given name "Ludwig," which means "famous warrior" in Old High German. Over time, the surname may have undergone var...

Laudani (Last name)

surnames > laudani

The surname Laudani is believed to have Italian origins. It is derived from various places in Italy, such as Lauda in Piedmont and Laudi in Lazio, indicating that it might have bee...

Laudari (Last name)

surnames > laudari

The surname "Laudari" likely has Italian origins. It is possible that it is derived from the Italian word "laudare," which means to praise or admire, and could have been used as a ...

Laude (Last name)

surnames > laude

The surname "Laude" is of Germanic origin. It is derived from various medieval German names composed with the element "lud," which means "people." Some examples are Ludwig, Ludeke,...

Laudelino-barbosa (Last name)

surnames > laudelino-barbosa

The surname Laudelino-Barbosa is of Portuguese origin. It comprises two distinct elements: 1. Laudelino - This part of the surname likely derives from a given name Laudelino, whic...

Laudia (Last name)

surnames > laudia

The surname Laudia likely originates from Italy. It may be of Italian or Latin descent, possibly derived from the Latin word "laudare" meaning "to praise."

Laudicina (Last name)

surnames > laudicina

The last name Laudicina is of Italian origin. It is believed to be derived from the word "laudolino," which means "little praise" or "little praise of God" in Italian. It is possib...

Laudin (Last name)

surnames > laudin

The surname Laudin is of French origin. It is derived from the Old French word "lode," meaning "praise" or "commendation." Over time, this evolved into the surname Laudin, which li...

Laudonio (Last name)

surnames > laudonio

The last name "Laudonio" is of Italian origin. It is a surname that is most commonly found in the region of Calabria, in southern Italy. The name is believed to have originated fro...