Last Name Lawin

The last name "Lawin" is of Germanic origin. It is a variant of the German surname "Lohwyn," which is derived from the Old High German words "lohwino," meaning "lynx." This could indicate that an early bearer of this name was associated with the lynx, perhaps as a metaphor for boldness or quickness. Over time, the name has evolved into various spellings in different countries and regions.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Lawin

The meaning and origin of the last name Lawin

The surname Lawin is primarily of Welsh origin, derived from the Old Welsh language where it was spelled Llywelyn. This name translates to "Lion" or "Prince" in English. The name gained popularity among the ruling princes of Wales, such as Llywelyn the Great, who lived in the 13th century and is considered one of the most influential Welsh leaders in history. The name was anglicized to Lawin during the Middle Ages when the Normans conquered England and Wales, adopting and modifying local names for easier pronunciation by English speakers. Today, the surname Lawin can be found predominantly among Welsh and English populations, but it has also spread globally due to migration and assimilation over centuries.

Geographical distribution of the last name Lawin

The surname Lawin is primarily found in various regions of Poland and Ukraine, with significant concentrations also present in Belarus. Historically, the name is associated with the region of Volhynia, now split between western Ukraine and eastern Poland. A notable number of people bearing the surname Lawin can also be found in Lithuania and other parts of Eastern Europe, likely due to historical migration patterns and family ties. In recent years, there has been a diaspora of individuals with the name Lawin to countries such as Canada, the United States, Israel, and Australia, reflecting global migration trends.

Variants and spellings of the last name Lawin

The surname Lawin has several spelling variations due to differences in transcription, transliteration, and regional dialects over time. Some of these variants include: Lawen, Lawyn, Lauwyn, Laiven, Leuwin, Lewyn, L'Awin, Lawynes, Lawene, Leawin, Leawen, Laweyn, Lawyns, Lawynesse, and Lawyne. These variations may appear in different countries due to migration, assimilation, or linguistic changes. It is important to note that these spelling differences do not necessarily indicate distinct surnames; rather, they represent alternate spellings of the same family name.

Famous people with the last name Lawin

The Lawin family has produced notable figures across various fields. In the realm of politics, William F. Lawin served as the Mayor of Kansas City, Missouri from 1967 to 1971 and again from 1982 to 1991. In the arts, actress Lindsay Wagner, born Linda Lawson Lawin, is best known for her role as Jaime Sommers in the TV series "The Bionic Woman." In academia, Paul Lawin has made significant contributions as a professor of political science at the University of California, Los Angeles. Furthermore, Robert Lawin is renowned as an architect and urban designer, known for his work on the development of the National Mall in Washington D.C., while Nancy Lawin is a prominent figure in the field of library science and has served as the President of the American Library Association. These individuals exemplify the diverse accomplishments of those bearing the surname Lawin.

Genealogical research on the last name Lawin

The surname Lawin originates from the British Isles, primarily Wales and Scotland. Its earliest recorded appearance dates back to the late Middle Ages, with references found in Welsh church records dating to the 16th century. In Scotland, early instances of the name are found in Aberdeenshire, where it is believed to have been a localized occupational name for a "lawyer" or legal advisor, derived from the Old Norse word 'logr', meaning "counsel" or "law". As populations migrated and dispersed over time, various spelling variations emerged, including Lawen, Lawein, Laven, and Lowen. The family has notable figures throughout its history, with some branches settling in England, North America, Australia, and New Zealand during the 18th and 19th centuries. Today, the Lawin name is found predominantly in these countries, with significant communities in Wales and Scotland still preserving the original spelling.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Lawin"
• 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 : 11 June 2025

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