Last Name Lavis

The surname Lavis is believed to have origins in England and France. It is derived from various places with similar names, such as Lavays in France and Lavish in England. The name may also be a variant of the English and French given name "Lawrence." As with many surnames, it originated as a way for people to distinguish themselves from others, often based on where they lived or their occupation.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Lavis

The meaning and origin of the last name Lavis

The surname Lavis is of English origin, derived from various place names throughout England. It is primarily associated with locations such as Laverstock in Wiltshire or Lafford in Shropshire. These placenames are composed of the Old English elements "laef" (loaf) and "stoc" (farmstead), indicating a farmstead associated with bread or food. Over time, these place names evolved into Lavis, Laves, or Laviss as surnames. The name may also have origins in the Norman-French "Lavise," meaning a washerwoman, possibly indicating an occupational surname. As with many surnames, it is difficult to pinpoint specific instances of its early use, but the name Lavis has been recorded in England since at least the 13th century.

Geographical distribution of the last name Lavis

The last name Lavis has a notable presence across various regions, with significant concentrations in England and Wales due to its Anglo-Saxon origins. In England, it is most common in the counties of Sussex, Essex, and Kent, likely reflecting the historical settlement patterns of the Saxons. Outside England, Lavis can also be found in Ireland and Scotland, possibly as a result of migration or Norman influence during the Middle Ages. The name's dispersal to other parts of the world, such as Canada, the United States, Australia, and South Africa, is likely a consequence of British emigration in modern times. However, it's important to note that the distribution can vary significantly within these countries, with concentrations often found among communities with British ancestry.

Variants and spellings of the last name Lavis

The surname Lavis has several variants and spellings, reflecting changes over time and regional differences. Some common variations include Laviss, Lavys, Lavice, Laviz, and Lavisse. These variations may result from typographical errors, local dialects, or family traditions. In some cases, the name might have been intentionally modified to improve pronunciation or fit better with a new language or culture. Additionally, in genealogical research, it is essential to consider additional factors such as geographic location, immigration records, and time periods to accurately identify different forms of the same surname.

Famous people with the last name Lavis

Notable individuals with the surname Lavis include:

1. Sir Peter Lavis (1923-2004), an English artist and printmaker known for his etchings, lithographs, and drypoints. He was elected a Royal Academician in 1967.

2. Sarah Lavis (b. 1985), a British actress who has appeared in numerous television shows and films, including "The Bill," "EastEnders," and "Batman Begins."

3. Richard Lavis (b. 1946), an English musician and member of the psychedelic band The Move from 1966 to 1972. He later formed the short-lived band Egg.

4. John Lavis (b. 1939), a British television producer, director, and writer who has worked on numerous comedy series, including "Not Only... But Also," "The Two Ronnies," and "Blackadder."

5. Jody LaviS (b. 1964), an American author, poet, and academic, known for her works of fiction, poetry, and non-fiction. She is a professor at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

These individuals have made significant contributions to art, entertainment, music, and academia.

Genealogical research on the last name Lavis

The surname Lavis is primarily of English origin, believed to be a habitation name from the places named Lavish in Yorkshire and Derbyshire, or Lavish-cum-Lathom in Lancashire. These place names are derived from Old Norse elements "laugr" meaning "wolf" and "vaeitr" or "veitr" meaning "meadow" or "pasture", indicating a settlement where wolves were once found. The name has also been recorded as Lavish, Lawvis, and Laivis. One of the earliest recordings of the name can be found in the Domesday Book of 1086 where William de Lavis is listed in Derbyshire. Notable bearers of the surname include Thomas Lavis (died 1349), Bishop of St Davids, and John Lavis, a prominent 17th-century puritan preacher. The family also has notable branches in Australia and New Zealand.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Lavis"
• 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 : 28 July 2025

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