LAWS
Laws
Origin and Meaning
Laws is a surname of English origin that dates back to medieval times. It is derived from the Old English word "hlaw", meaning hill, thus suggesting an ancestral home situated upon or near a hill.
Distribution and Presence
The surname Laws is most commonly found in the United Kingdom, particularly in regions like Northumberland, Durham, and Yorkshire. It has also spread to other English-speaking countries due to migration and the British Empire's historical influence.
Historical Significance
Laws has a long history in British society, with records showing its presence in various legal, religious, and prominent family contexts over the centuries. Individuals bearing the surname Laws have been noted for their contributions in fields such as law, academia, politics, and the armed forces.
Famous Individuals
Notable individuals bearing the surname Laws include:
- John Laws (1935-present), an Australian radio personality.
- Maureen Laws (1940-present), a British computer scientist.
- Andrew Laws (1972-present), a British politician.
Variant Forms
Throughout history, the surname Laws has taken on various forms and spellings, such as Lawes, Lawson, and Law.
Coat of Arms
The Laws family is associated with its unique coat of arms, which typically incorporates symbols like hills, stars, or lions to represent various virtues or achievements attributed to the family.
Modern Presence
In contemporary times, the surname Laws continues to be well-established in British society, with many individuals proudly bearing the name and contributing to various aspects of culture, business, and public life.
There are approximately 6,040 people named Laws in the UK. That makes it roughly the 1,572nd most common surname in Britain. Around 93 in a million people in Britain are named Laws.
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
- John
- Matthew
- Michael
- Peter
- Robert
- Stephen
- Thomas
Female
- Ann
- Elizabeth
- Emma
- Helen
- Jacqueline
- Jennifer
- Julie
- Linda
- Margaret
- Mary
- Sarah
- Susan
- Victoria
Similar and related surnames
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.