Lavis

The surname Lavis is of English origin, derived from the Old French word "laver", which means to wash. This occupational surname was likely given to those who worked as launderers or washers of clothes. The surname Lavis is mainly found in the South West of England, particularly in the counties of Devon and Cornwall.

History

The Lavis family has ancient roots, with records dating back to the 13th century in the Devonshire region. Over the centuries, various branches of the Lavis family have spread across different parts of England and have played significant roles in their respective communities. The name has undergone various spelling variations such as Laviss, Laver, and Lavies.

Notable Individuals

John Lavis (1750–1823) – An English painter known for his landscape and coastal scenes. Joan Lavis (1932–2001) – A British author and poet renowned for her works on folklore and mythology.

Distribution

According to data from the 19th and 20th centuries, the majority of individuals with the surname Lavis were located in the counties of Devon and Cornwall. However, migration and dispersion have led to Lavis families being found in other parts of Britain as well.

Trivia

The Lavis family crest features a silver shield with a red fesse, three red escallop shells on the shield, and a crest of a dexter arm in armour, embowed.

The Lavis surname continues to be prevalent in Britain today, with individuals proudly carrying on the legacy of their ancestors.

There are approximately 950 people named Lavis in the UK. That makes it roughly the 7,659th most common surname in Britain. Around 15 in a million people in Britain are named Lavis.

Origin: English

Region of origin: British Isles

Country of origin: England

Religion of origin: Christian

Language of origin: English

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Adam
  • Daniel
  • David
  • Gary
  • Ian
  • John
  • Mark
  • Matthew
  • Michael
  • Paul
  • Peter
  • Stephen

Female

  • Carol
  • Christine
  • Claire
  • Elizabeth
  • Helen
  • Jennifer
  • Joanna
  • Linda
  • Rachel
  • Sarah
  • Susan
  • Tracy
  • Victoria

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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