Surname Laws - Meaning and Origin

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Embarking on a DNA test with iGENEA allowed an exploration into the ancestral roots of the Laws family lineage. Not only revealing surprising diversity and a rich history, but also triggering a significant transformation in self-understanding.

A. Laws

Laws: What does the surname Laws mean?

The last name Laws is of English origin and is derived from the Middle English word "lawe", meaning law. It was often used as a nickname or occupational name for an individual who worked as a lawman or held professions related to law enforcement or legal matters, such as a policeman, lawyer, judge, or bailiff. It could also be given to someone who was law-abiding or had some connection with the law, possibly used humorously for a lawbreaker. Its use as a surname dates back to medieval times. It's important to note that surnames can carry different meanings or origins based on geographical regions and migration patterns. Therefore, interpretations can vary.

Laws: Where does the name Laws come from?

The surname Laws is of Anglo-Saxon origin, deriving from the Old English personal name 'Lawrence'. This was later shortened to various formats like Law, Lawes, or Laws. It was also commonly given to those who lived by an area that was identified by a hill or a tumulus (a mound or burial ground), deriving from the Old English word "hlaw." Another possibility is the patronymic origin, referring to 'son of Law or Lawrence'.

Over the centuries, the Laws surname has spread in many places around the globe due to migration and colonization. Today, it is most prevalent in the United States, followed by England, and Australia. It is relatively common in Scotland and Canada as well. Interestingly, despite its Anglo-Saxon origin, the highest density of people with the Laws surname today is in the Cocos (Keeling) Islands, an Australian territory.

Variations of the surname Laws

The surname Laws is an English patronymic name that seems to have been derived from the personal name Law, a Middle English short form of Lawrence. One of the earliest instances of this name was recorded in the Subsidy Rolls of Sussex in 1296. There are several variants, alternative spellings, and surnames from the same root including Lawes, Law, Lawe, Lawes, Lawis, Laus, Leaws, and Lews.

The Laws surname can also be found in Scotland, but it often has different origins, perhaps from a habitational name from Law in Northumberland, derived from the Old English hlaw "hill".

As for Irish names similar to Laws, Langan is sometimes changed to Laws in English. The Scottish surname Lawson, meaning "son of Law", could also be considered of the same origin.

The Laws surname has also been Americanized into different forms by immigrants to the United States and can be encountered as Lois, Laos, Laas, Lohs, and Los.

In sum, while Laws is the primary spelling, variants and related surnames often maintain the central root of "Law", but may add prefixes or suffixes.

Famous people with the name Laws

• John Laws: Former Australian Radio Broadcaster and entertainer.
• Thomas Laws: British actor and musician.
• Kenneth Laws: Former jazz pianist and composer.
• Jack Laws: Australian athlete and Australian footballer.
• Mary Allen Wilkes Laws: American computer scientist and pioneer in software engineering.
• Dr. Kay Laws: Former professor of health sciences and nutrition at Arizona State University.
• Thompson Laws: American gospel singer.
• William Laws: English professional cricketer in the 19th century.
• Mike Laws: English composer and musician.
• Richard Laws: Former English cricketer.
• Mike Laws: Former English professional football player.
• Tom Richard Laws: English former professional tennis player.
• Alf Laws: Australian Politician and Member of the Parliament of Victoria.
• John Laws: Former Member of Parliament and Chairman of the Australian Senate Standing Committees.
• Dr. Peter Laws: British politician and former Member of the European Parliament.
• Diane Laws: Former Member of Parliament for Hornsey and Wood Green, United Kingdom.
• Miles Laws: English football analyst and pundit.
• Gerald Laws: American artist and sculptor.
• Will Laws: American music producer and composer.
• Percy Laws: Former Member of the Legislative Assembly for Wollondilly in the New South Wales Legislative Assembly.

Other surnames

LawLawadirLawalLawallLawandLawareLawatschLawatscheckLawatyLawderLawdirLaweLaweadreLaweckiLaweddirLawedireLawedreLawellLawerentzLawerenzLaweryLawesLawheadLawhonLawillLawinLawingLawleeLawlerLawless