Lean

Pronunciation: /liːn/

Origin: English

Meaning: The surname Lean is of English origin and is derived from the Middle English word "leene," meaning "pliant" or "limber." It may have been a nickname for someone with a lithe or flexible physique.

Distribution: The surname Lean is found predominantly in the United Kingdom, particularly in regions such as Cornwall, Devon, and Somerset.

Notable Bearers: The surname Lean has been borne by notable individuals such as:

  1. David Lean (1908-1991) - A renowned British film director and producer, known for his work on classics such as "Lawrence of Arabia" and "The Bridge on the River Kwai."

  2. Jacob Lean (b. 1985) - A contemporary British artist renowned for his abstract paintings and distinctive use of colour.

Variants: Variants of the surname Lean include Leane, Leen, and Leane.

Coat of Arms: The Lean family coat of arms features elements such as a green field, a silver chevron, and a lion rampant.

Genealogy: Traceable genealogy records show the Lean surname extending back to medieval England, with instances of the name found in ancient parish registers, census records, and other historical documents.

Through its long history and notable bearers, the surname Lean has become a distinctive part of British heritage, representing creativity, resilience, and artistic endeavour.

There are approximately 1,110 people named Lean in the UK. That makes it roughly the 6,805th most common surname in Britain. Around 17 in a million people in Britain are named Lean.

Surname type: From given name or forename

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

  • Andrew
  • Christopher
  • David
  • James
  • John
  • Jonathan
  • Michael
  • Richard
  • Robert
  • Simon
  • William

Female

  • Amanda
  • Anne
  • Elizabeth
  • Emma
  • Georgia
  • Jennifer
  • Karen
  • Margaret
  • Mary
  • Nicola
  • Patricia
  • Petronella
  • Sarah
  • Susan

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