Last Name Lott

The surname Lott is of Old French origin. It comes from the medieval given name "Lot", which was derived from the Hebrew name "Letuiah" (meaning "belonging to Yahweh"). During the Middle Ages, many Europeans adopted Anglo-Norman forms of their personal names as surnames. The Normans brought this practice to England after the Conquest in 1066. Over time, variations of the name such as Lot, Lott, and Lolle became established as distinct surnames.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Lott

The meaning and origin of the last name Lott

The surname Lott is of Old English origin, derived from the word 'hlat,' which means hollow or clearing. It was originally a nickname for someone who lived in a house built in such an area. Over time, the spelling has been anglicized to Lott. The name has several variations including Lot, Loth, and Loughton, reflecting regional dialects and migrations. Notably, Lott is a common surname in England, particularly in the West Midlands region, but it can also be found in other English-speaking countries due to emigration over centuries.

Geographical distribution of the last name Lott

The surname Lott is primarily distributed across various regions in the English-speaking world, with significant concentrations in the United States and England. In the U.S., it is most prevalent in states such as Texas, North Carolina, Florida, and Louisiana. In England, counties like Yorkshire, Lancashire, and Essex show high frequencies of this surname. The name also appears with notable presence in other English-speaking countries including Canada, Australia, and Ireland. Its origin is believed to be from the Old English word "hlott," meaning happy or clear, reflecting its geographical distribution among Anglo-Saxon settlements.

Variants and spellings of the last name Lott

The surname Lott has various spellings and variations, which may originate from different regions and time periods. Some common variants include Lot, Lollo, Loth, Lotte, and de Lot. These variations can be due to spelling changes over time, regional dialects, or individual preference in transcription. Additionally, the name can also have different origins; it could be of English, French, or German origin, with meanings such as "lot" (meaning fate or destiny), "loud" (in reference to a strong or noisy person), or "forest clearing" (from the Old High German Hlot). These variations serve as interesting historical markers and showcase the diversity of naming practices throughout history.

Famous people with the last name Lott

Notable individuals with the surname Lott include Hank Lott, an American country music singer-songwriter best known for his hit song "Long Time Gone"; Ronnie Lott, a former professional American football player who played primarily for the San Francisco 49ers and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame; and Brenda Lee, also known as Little Miss Dynamite, an American singer-songwriter who achieved success in the late 1950s and early 1960s with hits like "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree" and "I'm Sorry." Additionally, Fiona Lott is a British actress known for her roles in television shows such as "EastEnders" and "Holby City." In academia, Robert A. Lott Jr. is a scholar of American history and literature at the University of Virginia.

Genealogical research on the last name Lott

The surname Lott originates from Old English and Middle English roots, with variations such as Lot, Loth, and Lollo also found. One of the earliest recorded instances of the name is Robert de Loto, who lived during the reign of King Stephen (1135-1154). The name is believed to be derived from a geographical location named "Loth" in Norfolk, England. Over time, the name spread throughout Britain and later to other parts of the world due to migration and colonization. The Lott family can be found across many countries today, with notable figures including John Lott, an American economist and gun rights advocate, and William Henry Lott, a British politician who served as Mayor of London in the early 20th century. Genealogical research is ongoing to trace the roots and migrations of this surname throughout history.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Lott"
• 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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