Last Name Loras

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 this name could potentially be derived from various origins due to its similarity to other established surnames. For example, one possible theory suggests that the name Loras may originate from the French personal name "Loris," which was originally a pet form of the medieval Latin name Lauricius, meaning "laurel wreath." The name could have been brought to different regions by French settlers or crusaders and later adopted as a surname. Another theory suggests that the name Loras may be a variant of the Irish name O'Lorcain, which is derived from the Gaelic word "lorg" meaning "wolf." It is possible that this name was Anglicized to Loras over time. It's also worth noting that the name Loras is associated with the city of Loreto in Italy and the town of Lorraine in France, but there is no clear evidence that these geographical names directly influenced the surname. In conclusion, while there is no definitive or widely accepted origin for the surname Loras, it could potentially be derived from various sources such as French personal names or Irish Gaelic names. Further research may provide additional insights into the name's origins and history.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Loras

The meaning and origin of the last name Loras

The surname Loras is primarily of French origin, derived from the personal name Laure or Laurus, which originates from the Latin Laurus, meaning "laurel". This name was used for both males and females during the Middle Ages due to its association with the laurel plant, symbolizing victory, fame, and poetry. The surname Loras can also be found in some Spanish-speaking countries, where it may have been adopted by families of French descent or as a variant of the Spanish name López. Over time, the spelling of the name has evolved, with variations such as Laur, Laure, and Lora also found. The use of Loras as a surname indicates a connection to these historical roots, symbolizing the victories and achievements of those who bear it.

Geographical distribution of the last name Loras

The surname Loras has its origins in France and is predominantly found in the regions of Aquitaine, particularly around Bordeaux, and Brittany. It is also present in small numbers in other French-speaking areas such as Belgium and Switzerland. Beyond Europe, the distribution of the name extends to North America, primarily in the United States where it is most concentrated in Louisiana, due to French colonization and migration patterns. In the U.S., Loras can be found across several states, but particularly in those with a significant French-speaking population such as California, Texas, and Illinois. The name has also made its way to other English-speaking countries like Australia and Canada, though it is less common there compared to France and the United States.

Variants and spellings of the last name Loras

The last name Loras has several variations and spelling derivatives due to differences in translation, regional dialects, and transcription errors over time. Some common variants include Loraz, Loraas, Lorasz, Loratz, Loros, Loruss, Loraus, Lorusz, Lorus, and Lauraisse. These variations may be found in various countries and can also be influenced by the specific language used, such as French, Hungarian, or Polish, among others. The original etymology of the surname Loras is unclear, but it may have roots in place names, occupations, or personal names from these languages.

Famous people with the last name Loras

Among the notable individuals with the surname Loras, three stand out:

1. Loras John Tyrell, also known as Lord Loras, is a fictional character from George R.R. Martin's "A Song of Ice and Fire" series, later adapted into the television show "Game of Thrones." He is a knight in the Kingsguard and serves as the paramour of Cersei Lannister.

2. Loras Michael Kelly, an American actor, has made significant contributions to film and television. He is known for his roles in "The West Wing," "House of Cards," and "Manchester by the Sea," for which he received an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor.

3. Loras John Schmidt, an American prelate of the Roman Catholic Church, served as the 14th Archbishop of Chicago from 2017 to 2020. Before his appointment as Archbishop, he was Bishop of Bridgeport and Auxiliary Bishop of Rockville Centre in New York.

Genealogical research on the last name Loras

The surname Loras is predominantly found in French-speaking regions, particularly in Belgium and Quebec, Canada. Its origins can be traced back to the medieval period, where it was often associated with the Norman nobility. In France, the name is believed to have derived from the place names "Lorais" or "Lorcy," suggesting that early bearers of this surname may have lived in these areas. The name subsequently spread due to migration and settlement patterns. In Belgium, Loras is a common patronymic surname, meaning "son of Louis." In Quebec, it is also a variant of the French surname Lorrain. Notable figures bearing the name include Belgian politician Albert Loras and Canadian ice hockey player Jocelyn Thibault-Loras. Genealogical research on this surname continues to reveal its diverse origins and dispersal across Europe and North America.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Loras"
• 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 : 28 July 2025

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