Laing

Laing is a Scottish and Northern English surname of Old Norse origin. It is derived from the Old Norse personal name "Lanngr", meaning "tall" or "long". The name can also be traced back to the Old English word "lang", which has a similar meaning.

Origins:

The surname Laing can be found in various parts of Scotland, particularly in the northeast of the country. It is also present in Northern England, especially in areas historically influenced by Norse settlers.

Variants:

Variants of the surname Laing include Lang, Lange, and Langley. Over time, variations in spelling have occurred due to factors such as regional dialects and changes in pronunciation.

Notable Individuals:

  • Alexander Gordon Laing (1794–1826): A Scottish explorer of Africa best known for being the first European to reach Timbuktu.
  • Jennifer Laing (born 1947): An Australian tourism scholar and author, known for her research in tourism management.

References:

  • Reaney, P. H., & Wilson, R. M. (1997). A Dictionary of English Surnames. Oxford University Press.
  • Smith, E., & McClure, P. (Eds.). (2010). The Oxford Companion to Family and Local History. Oxford University Press.

There are approximately 10,857 people named Laing in the UK. That makes it the 851st most common surname in Britain. Around 167 in a million people in Britain are named Laing.

Origin: Celtic

Region of origin: British Isles

Country of origin: Scotland

Religion of origin: Christian

Language of origin: Gaelic

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Alexander
  • Andrew
  • Christopher
  • David
  • Ian
  • James
  • John
  • Michael
  • Robert
  • William

Female

  • Anne
  • Catherine
  • Elizabeth
  • Jennifer
  • Karen
  • Margaret
  • Mary
  • Michelle
  • Sarah
  • Susan

Similar and related surnames

Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.

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