Last Name Lombard

The surname "Lombard" is of Italian origin. It derives from the Latin word "Lombardi", meaning 'people of Lombardy'. Lombardy was a region in northern Italy inhabited by the Lombards, an East Germanic people who invaded and settled in Italy during the 6th century. The name is often associated with the Duchy of Milan, which was the heartland of the Lombards in Italy. Throughout history, the Lombard surname has been carried by individuals of Italian descent, as well as other European countries where Italian immigrants settled.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Lombard

The meaning and origin of the last name Lombard

The surname Lombard is of Italian origin, derived from the Latin word "Lombardia" or "Langobardia," which refers to the region in present-day northern Italy inhabited by the Langobards (Lombards), a Germanic tribe who migrated to Italy during the Early Middle Ages. The name Lombard is believed to have been initially used as a geographical indicator, identifying individuals who lived in this area. Over time, it evolved into a hereditary surname, spreading across Europe as Italian immigrants and their descendants settled in various regions. Today, the surname Lombard is found worldwide, particularly in countries that experienced significant immigration from Italy during the 19th and early 20th centuries.

Geographical distribution of the last name Lombard

The last name Lombard is predominantly found in Italy, where it originates from the region of Lombardy. Historically, this region was inhabited by the Lombards, an ethnic group that gave their name to the area in the Middle Ages. Today, the highest concentrations of the Lombard surname can be found in cities like Milan, Brescia, and Mantua.

In addition to Italy, significant numbers of people with the Lombard surname can also be found in France, particularly in regions bordering Italy such as Savoie, Val d'Aosta, and Piedmont. The name is also common among Italian diaspora communities in countries like the United States, Argentina, Brazil, Australia, and Canada, where it has been passed down through generations.

In the United States, for example, the state with the highest proportion of people with the Lombard surname is Illinois, followed by California, New York, and Florida. This distribution reflects the historical migration patterns of Italians to these states during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Lombard

The surname Lombard, originating from Italy, is spelled as follows: Lombard, Lombarde, Lombardo, Lombar, Lombart, and Lumbard. These variations may arise due to differences in dialects, phonetic spelling, or migration-induced changes over time. The name often signifies someone from the Lombardy region of Italy, known for its rich history and vibrant culture. Other derivatives of this name might include Lombardi, Lumbarda, Lombardey, Lombarti, and Lumbarde, though they are less common or regional in usage.

Famous people with the last name Lombard

Notable individuals bearing the surname Lombard include Jane Lombard, an American art dealer and curator who served as the Director of the Pace/MacGill Gallery in New York City and was instrumental in introducing the work of many contemporary artists to the public. Another significant figure is Carole Lombard, a prominent actress in Hollywood's Golden Age known for her comedic talent, glamour, and screen presence. She starred in numerous films such as "My Man Godfrey" (1936) and "Nothing Sacred" (1937). Additionally, there is Al Lombard, an American baseball player who had a ten-year career in Major League Baseball from 1925 to 1934. He played for teams such as the Philadelphia Athletics and Chicago White Sox and was known for his speed on the base paths. Lastly, Armando Lombard, a Canadian ice hockey forward, won three Stanley Cup championships with the Montreal Canadiens in the 1950s and '60s. His number 17 jersey is retired by the team in recognition of his contributions to the sport.

Genealogical research on the last name Lombard

The Lombard surname originates from Italy and is derived from the Latin word "Lombardi," meaning "Long-bearded" or "People from beyond the Alps." This name was primarily used to identify people who were part of the Lombard League, a confederation of northern Italian city-states that resisted the Holy Roman Empire in medieval times. The Lombards migrated into Italy during the 6th century AD, settling in the region that is now Northern Italy and Switzerland. Over time, as people moved and intermarried, the Lombard surname spread across Europe, with significant populations found in France, Germany, and England. In England, the name is often spelled "Lumley" or "Lumar." The Lombard family has produced several notable individuals throughout history, including popes, artists, scholars, and political figures.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Lombard"
• 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 : 14 June 2025

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