Lent

Origin and Meaning

The surname Lent is of English and French origin, deriving from the Old French word lent, meaning slow or sluggish. It is believed to have originated as a nickname for a slow-moving or sluggish individual.

Distribution

The surname Lent is notably found in various regions across Britain, with concentrations in areas such as London, Yorkshire, and Nottinghamshire. Over the centuries, individuals bearing the surname Lent have dispersed to other parts of the world, particularly to countries such as the United States and Canada.

Notable Individuals

  • Benedict Lent: A renowned British painter known for his intricate landscape artwork in the 19th century.

  • Eleanor Lent: A prominent British author and poet whose works explored themes of nature and spirituality in the early 20th century.

Coat of Arms

The Lent family crest features a shield divided into two horizontal sections. The top part displays a depiction of a tortoise symbolising slowness or deliberation, while the lower section exhibits a river meandering slowly through a landscape, further emphasising the idea of gradual movement or progress.

Variants

Variants of the surname Lent include Lente, Lentz, and Lenti, reflecting the diverse spellings that have emerged over time due to linguistic changes and regional influences.

There are approximately 293 people named Lent in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around four in a million people in Britain are named Lent.

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

  • Adam
  • Andrew
  • David
  • Gareth
  • Jack
  • John
  • Jonathan
  • Martin
  • Michael
  • Neil
  • Richard
  • Simon
  • Stephen

Female

  • Caroline
  • Elizabeth
  • Emily
  • Erna
  • Jane
  • Jean
  • Margaret
  • Nicola
  • Paula
  • Penelope
  • Rachel
  • Shirley
  • Vicki
  • 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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