What is the origin of the last name Lor?

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).

Last name distribution maps

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NomOrigine Team
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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.

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