Meaning and origin
Its origins can be traced back to ancient times, with multiple theories and explanations pertaining to its etymology and meaning.
The longer story
Its origins can be traced back to ancient times, with multiple theories and explanations pertaining to its etymology and meaning. Understanding the origins and significance of the name Lewis requires exploring the historical context of different regions and periods.
It is believed to derive from the given name Llywelyn, a combination of "llyw" meaning "leader" or "ruler," and "elyn" meaning "like" or "similar to." The name Llywelyn held great significance in Welsh history, as it was the name of several influential rulers of Wales.
Another theory proposes that the name Lewis has Norman-French roots. It is believed to be a variant of the name Louis, which derived from the Frankish given name Chlodowig.
Surname origins are rarely settled: one spelling can have several sources, and families often took a name for reasons nobody wrote down. Check it against the sources below before you rely on it.
#29
Lewis was the 29th most common surname in the 2010 US Census, with 531,781 people, about 180 in every 100,000.
Who carries it
Surnames like Lewis
Names it is linked with, then names with the same origin and a similar standing.
Check the sources
- Forebears: where Lewis is found around the world
- The Internet Surname Database: a second opinion on the origin
- US Census Bureau: the 2010 surname figures used here
For a name you are serious about, compare the dictionaries: Reaney and Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames; Hanks, Dictionary of American Family Names.