Law

Origin and Meaning

Law is a surname of English, Scottish, and northern Irish origin. It is derived from the Middle English word "lawe," which means a hill or a burial mound. The name may have originated as a topographic name for someone who lived on or near a hill. It could also have been an occupational name for a lawyer or someone who worked in the legal profession.

History

The Law surname has a long history dating back to medieval times in the British Isles. The name is found in various regions of the UK, including Scotland, England, and Northern Ireland. It is believed that different branches of the Law family may have originated in different areas and spread over time.

Notable People

  • John Law (1671-1729): Scottish economist and financier, known for his involvement in the Mississippi Company scheme and the development of the concept of paper money.
  • Jude Law (b. 1972): British actor known for his roles in films such as "The Talented Mr. Ripley," "Cold Mountain," and "Sherlock Holmes."
  • Bonnie Law: A fictional character in the popular British TV series "EastEnders," known for her dramatic storylines and strong personality.

Variants

Variants of the surname Law include Laws, Lawes, and Lawless. These variations may have different origins or spellings but are often used interchangeably with the name Law.

Popularity

The surname Law is moderately common in the UK and can be found in various records such as census data, birth and marriage records, and historical documents. While not among the most common surnames, Law has a significant presence in British genealogy and history.

Legacy

The Law surname carries a rich history and diverse legacy, with individuals from different walks of life contributing to various fields such as law, finance, entertainment, and more. The name continues to be passed down through generations, preserving the heritage and traditions associated with the Law family.

There are approximately 24,171 people named Law in the UK. That makes it the 338th most common surname in Britain. Around 371 in a million people in Britain are named Law.

Surname type: Location or geographical feature

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

  • Andrew
  • Christopher
  • David
  • James
  • John
  • Michael
  • Peter
  • Richard
  • Robert
  • William

Female

  • Angela
  • Catherine
  • Elizabeth
  • Jacqueline
  • Jennifer
  • Karen
  • Margaret
  • Mary
  • Patricia
  • 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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