Surname Lamb - Meaning and Origin
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W. Lamb
read moreLamb: What does the surname Lamb mean?
The surname Lamb is of Anglo-Saxon origin and is derived from the Old English personal name, "Lamb". This name, initially a nickname, was given to someone thought to have characteristics of a lamb, such as gentleness and innocence, which are traits often associated with a young lamb. In some cases, it might also used as a metonymic occupational name for a shepherd, someone who tends sheep for a living.
During the Middle Ages, the popularity of the scriptural and religious symbolism of the Lamb of God, representing Jesus Christ, likely further contributed to the use of the name. The geographic distribution of the surname Lamb is predominantly found in Northern England and the Scottish Borders.
Some variations of the last name Lamb include Lambe, Lamm, and Lam. Like many surnames, the exact origins and meaning can depend on historic and regional factors. It is important to bear in mind that surnames were often derived from a person's occupation, the place they lived, their father's name, or some distinguishing personal characteristics.
Order DNA origin analysisLamb: Where does the name Lamb come from?
The surname Lamb is of English origin and is primarily utilised as a nickname from the Middle English "Lamb". This would usually indicate someone who was gentle, innocent or perhaps the term was used for someone born in the season of lambing. The derivation is from the Olde English pre-7th Century "lamb", Middle English "lamb". It's also an occupational name for a keeper of lambs.
Despite its English origin, the surname Lamb is common in various parts of the world today. It is most common in the United States, England, and Australia. Additionally, the name is found to some extent in Canada and Scotland. It is noted that Northern English and Scottish bearers of this surname occasionally represent a reduced form of the Scottish surname Lambe, which comes from Lamb in Fife and Lambhill in Stirlingshire.
Variations of the surname Lamb
The surname Lamb has several variants and possible spellings which include Lambb, Lambe, Lam, Lamm, Lambes, Lambis, Lambs, Lame and Lamba. It is interesting to note that these different versions may have evolved due to regional dialects, phonetic spelling and other factors.
The Lamb surname is of English origin but also found in Scotland and Ireland. In Scotland, it might also appear as Lamont, stemming from "Lawman," while in Ireland, it could be an anglicised version of the Gaelic surname Ó Luain, meaning "descendant of Luan," with "Luan" meaning "warrior," "strong," or "warlike."
Sometimes, certain spelling variants of Lamb may actually be completely different surnames of separate origin. For example, the German surname Lamm has the same spelling as one variant of Lamb, but originated independently and has its distinct meaning (Lamm translates to "lamb" in English).
It is common for surnames to have multiple versions due to the evolution of language, integration of cultures, and migration of families. However, it's advisable for genealogists or anyone researching their family history to consider all possible variations when researching the 'Lamb' surname.
Famous people with the name Lamb
- Andy Lamb: British Former Football Player
- Rachael Lamb: British TV presenter, founder of LABS
- James Lamb: Canadian biathlete
- Gregory Lamb: Canadian plans, poet and former television executive
- Bennett Lamb: American rock musician and producer
- Harry Lamb: British actor
- Ross Lamb: Canadian artist
- Peter Lamb: British sociologist
- Sam Lamb: New Zealand mountain runner
- Kay Lamb Shannon: American historian and writer
- Will Lamb: British rugby league player
- Kitty Lamb: American artist
- David Lamb: American actor
- Jamie Lamb: British author
- John Lamb: British actor
- Colin Lamb: British broadcaster
- Benjamin Lamb: British photographer
- Graham Lamb: British drummer
- Emma Lamb: British discus thrower
- Tom Lamb: British singer-songwriter