Last Name Lipsey

The surname "Lipsey" is of Old English origin, derived from a nickname for someone with full or protruding lips. The name was first recorded in England during the Middle Ages and may have been originally a term of endearment or affection. The name is also found in some parts of Scotland and Ireland, where it has been anglicized from Gaelic and Old Norse names with similar meanings.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Lipsey

The meaning and origin of the last name Lipsey

The surname Lipsey is primarily an English name with Old Norse origins. It is derived from the Old Norse personal name Leif, which means "life" or "heir to life," and the Old English suffix -sige, meaning "victory." Thus, Lipsey can be interpreted as "Victor of Life" or "Heir to Life's Victory." The name was introduced in England by Scandinavian settlers and gradually anglicized over time. Throughout history, various notable individuals bearing the surname Lipsey have contributed to their respective fields, including religious leaders, military personnel, and politicians in England and America.

Geographical distribution of the last name Lipsey

The surname Lipsey is predominantly distributed across several regions in the English-speaking world, particularly in the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom. In the U.S., it is most concentrated in states like Texas, California, Florida, Kentucky, and Tennessee, with highest densities in urban areas such as Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles, and Nashville. In the UK, Lipsey can be found in counties like Norfolk, Essex, and London. In Canada, it is prevalent in Ontario and British Columbia, while in Australia, it is most common in New South Wales and Queensland. The geographical distribution suggests a possible origin from these regions or from English-speaking communities with migration history to the aforementioned areas.

Variants and spellings of the last name Lipsey

The surname Lipsey has several variations and spellings, primarily due to differences in transcription over time and across regions. Here are some of the most common versions:

1. Lipsey - This is the standard spelling, originating from Old English or Norman French roots.
2. Lipseigh - An alternate spelling that may be found in some records.
3. Lipsee - A less common variant, which could have arisen due to phonetic changes over time.
4. Lipsie - Another rare variation of the surname.
5. Lypsie - This spelling might appear in old or historical documents and could be a result of phonetic changes or scribal errors.
6. Lypezey - A less common variant, which might be found among families of French descent.
7. Lipshay - A possible variation that may have arisen due to regional dialects or spellings.

Famous people with the last name Lipsey

Notable individuals sharing the surname Lipsey include:

* Richard C. Lipsey, an eminent Canadian economist who is recognized for his contributions to the theory of international trade and labor economics. He has served as president of both the Canadian Economics Association and the International Economic Association.
* Judy Lipsey, a Canadian politician who was the first female member of Parliament from Alberta and served as Minister of State for Youth in Pierre Trudeau's cabinet.
* John J. Lipsky, an American economist who served as First Deputy Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) from 2011 to 2016. Prior to this role, he held various positions within the IMF, including Chief of Staff and Mission Chief for several countries.
* Michael Lipsey, an American mathematician who is a Professor of Mathematics at the University of California, Berkeley, where he has taught since 1973. He has made significant contributions to the fields of algebraic geometry and number theory.
* Sarah Lipsky, an American actress best known for her role as "Young Ruth" in the 2016 film "Hidden Figures." She also appeared in the television series "Girls" and "The Deuce."

Genealogical research on the last name Lipsey

The surname Lipsey is of English origin, primarily found in the counties of Lincolnshire and Yorkshire. It is derived from various places named Lipsey, which are scattered throughout these regions. For instance, there is a township called "Lipcote" near the village of Barlow in the South Riding of Yorkshire, which could have been an early source of the name.

The name's earliest recorded occurrence dates back to the late 12th century in Yorkshire, where William Lipsey is mentioned in historical documents around 1198. The name gained prominence during the Middle Ages as families expanded and migrated across England. Over time, branches of the Lipsey family established themselves in other parts of the country, including London, Kent, and Lancashire.

The Lipsey family also ventured to America in the 17th century. Among them was Thomas Lipsey who settled in Virginia around 1650. The name is now widespread across the United States, with significant populations in states like Texas, California, Florida, and New York.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Lipsey"
• 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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