The surname Lor is of French origin. In Old French, it derived from various given names such as Laurens, Laurent, and Laurence, which were all popular names during the Middle Ages. These names were originally derived from Latin "Laurentius," meaning "laurel," which symbolized victory and glory in ancient Rome. The surname Lor may also have emerged in other countries with French influence, such as Spain or Belgium. Over time, the spelling of the name has evolved due to factors like regional dialects and migrations.
Learn more about the origin of the last name Lor
The meaning and origin of the last name Lor
The surname Lor is of Old French origin, derived from the personal name Laurens or Lawrence, which was common among the Crusaders who brought it back to Europe during the Middle Ages. The name itself has Latin roots, stemming from laurus, meaning "laurel." The laurel tree was symbolic in ancient Rome, where it represented triumph and victory due to its evergreen nature and its use in crowning victors. Over time, the surname Lor (or variations like Lore, Leor, etc.) emerged as a hereditary name for families of French, Irish, and Jewish descent, spread across Europe and eventually other parts of the world via migration and colonization. Today, it is found worldwide with varying frequencies depending on the region.
Geographical distribution of the last name Lor
The surname Lor is predominantly found in countries with significant populations of ethnic Chinese, being particularly common in China and Taiwan, where it is sometimes romanized as Luo or Liu. In Chinese, the character "Lu" or "Liu" represents a number of things, including the number six, a kind of tree, or an old and respected man. In diaspora communities, the name Lor can also be found in countries with large Chinese populations such as Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, the Philippines, and the United States. In the latter, it is typically romanized as Lee, Leong, or Li. Additionally, some instances of the name can be found among French-speaking populations due to historical ties between France and Vietnam, where the surname is sometimes written as Lô or Lor.
Variants and spellings of the last name Lor
The surname Lor exhibits various spellings and pronunciations due to its multinational origins. It is most commonly found in France, where it can be spelled as Lor, Lorès, Lorr, or de Lorre, with the latter indicating a noble lineage. In Finland, Sweden, and Norway, the name is written as Lorén or Löören, reflecting the Scandinavian language influence. In Hungary, Lor can be found as Lóránt or Lórant, derived from the male given name Lóránt (Andrew). Additionally, variations may arise due to historical influences and immigration patterns, with forms like Lohr, Loer, Lorre, Laur, and Lowry appearing in Germany, England, Ireland, and Scotland. These variations highlight the diverse backgrounds of people sharing this surname.
Famous people with the last name Lor
Notable individuals sharing the surname Lor include: Lena Hall, an American actress and singer who won a Tony Award for her performance as Yitzhak in the musical Hedwig and the Angry Inch; Louis Lor-Berge, a French-born American botanist known for his work on tropical rainforests; Peter Lorre, an Austrian actor famous for his roles in films such as M, The Maltese Falcon, and Casablanca; and Tilda Swinton, a British actress recognized for her distinctive acting style and roles in films like The Chronicles of Narnia, Doctor Strange, and Michael Clayton. Additionally, Yannis Loritis is a Greek composer and arranger who has worked with artists like Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston, and Tina Turner. These individuals, each distinguished in their respective fields, demonstrate the diversity and achievements associated with the surname Lor.
Genealogical research on the last name Lor
The surname Lor originates from several regions, primarily France and Hungary. In France, it is a variant of the name Laur, which has Latin roots and was brought to the country by the Romans. It's also found in Normandy, where it might be associated with the Norman Conquest of England in 1066. In Hungary, Lor is a rare patronymic surname, derived from the personal name Lóránd, a variant of Lawrence (Laurentius). The name Lóránd is derived from lauro, meaning "laurel" in Latin, and was given to boys born during the growing season when laurel leaves were plentiful. Variations of the surname Lor include Laur, Laure, Laurens, and Lore. Some notable people with this surname include Lor San Tekka from Star Wars, and French politician François Lor-Lor (1938–2020).
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 :
Share the origin of your last name with your friends
The surname "Lorain" has French origins and is derived from a place-name in France, such as Lorraine, a region located in the northeastern part of the country, near Germany. The na...
The last name "Loran Poonch" appears to have Indian origins, with "Poonch" possibly relating to a place name in India. The name "Loran" could have various origins, including French...
The last name Loranc originates from Poland and is derived from the given name "Łorant," which is a form of the name "Lawrence." It is believed to have originated as a surname fro...
The surname Loranca is of Spanish origin. It is most likely a locational surname derived from the name of a village or town in Spain. Alternatively, it may also have originated as ...
The last name "Lorance Nellissery" is of English origin. "Lorance" is believed to be derived from the given name "Lawrence," meaning "from Laurentum" in Latin. "Nellissery" is like...
The surname Loranch is of French origin. It is derived from the Old French word "l'orange" meaning "the orange," and was likely used as a nickname for someone with a yellow or red ...
The last name Lorandel is of French origin. It is derived from the French word "lorel," which means "little bird." The name likely originated as a descriptive nickname for someone ...
The surname Loras does not have a definitive or widely accepted origin that is commonly known or acknowledged by historical sources. However, it is possible that some variations of...
The last name Loraschi is of Italian origin. It is derived from the personal name Laurus, which comes from the Latin word "laurus" meaning laurel tree or laurel wreath. This surnam...
The surname Loray is primarily associated with France, specifically the region of Normandy. It's a locative surname derived from a place named Loray. This place name is believed to...
The last name "Lorbieski" is of Polish origin. It is a patronymic surname derived from the given name "Lorbie," which is a diminutive form of the name "Laurentius," meaning "from L...
The surname Lorca Garner is of English origin. "Lorca" is a Spanish surname derived from the town of Lorca in southern Spain, while "Garner" is an English occupational surname mean...
The last name "Lorcan" has Irish origins. It is derived from the Gaelic name "Lorcán," which means "fierce" or "cruel." The name has been notably borne by several Irish saints and...
The surname Lorcy is believed to have French origins. It is a variant of the original surname Lorry, which comes from a place named Lori or Lorie in France. The name Lori was origi...
The last name "Lordess" is of English origin. It is derived from the Middle English word "lord," which was used as a title for a ruler or nobleman, and the suffix "-ess," which was...
