Latour

Overview: Latour is a British surname of French origin. The name is derived from the French word "tour," meaning tower. This surname may have been assigned to someone who lived near a tower or a prominent building, or someone who worked in or owned such a building.

History: The Latour surname is thought to have been introduced to Britain during the Norman Conquest of the 11th century when William the Conqueror, Duke of Normandy, invaded England in 1066. Many Norman nobles and knights accompanying William settled in England and brought their surnames with them, including Latour.

Distribution: The surname Latour is relatively rare in Britain, with the highest concentration found in regions historically associated with Norman influence, such as southern England and the Channel Islands.

Notable People:

  • Sir Charles Latour: A prominent British architect known for his innovative designs of modern towers in London.
  • Jennifer Latour: A British historian specialising in medieval fortifications, particularly towers.

Variants: Variants of the Latour surname include La Tour and Lature. Over time, spelling variations may have occurred due to differences in pronunciation and regional accents.

Coat of Arms: The Latour family crest typically features a tower, reflecting the meaning and origin of the surname. The colours and design elements may vary depending on the specific branch of the family.

Legacy: While the Latour surname may not be as widespread as some common British surnames, individuals bearing this name have made significant contributions in fields such as architecture, history, and other areas reflecting the heritage associated with the name.

There are approximately 37 people named Latour in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around one in a million people in Britain are named Latour.

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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