Laing Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Laing come from? What does the surname Laing mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Laing and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Surname Laing Origin: What does the last name Laing mean?
The surname Laing is of Scottish origin, with roots dating back to the early 16th century. Derived from the Lang variant, it has remained closely associated with Scotland from the 16th to the 18th century. Over time, Laing family records have also been found in countries like the United States, indicating a global spread of the surname.
YourRoots data confirms the presence of the Laing surname in Scotland since the 16th century, with significant growth in the United States by the 20th century. Today, the Laing surname remains prominent in Scotland, the United Kingdom, and Canada, among other countries, showcasing its enduring legacy and widespread presence across different regions.
Laing Last Name History: Where did the last name Laing come from?
Origin of Laing Surname: Where does the last name Laing originate from?
According to YourRoots data, the surname Laing first appeared in records from Scotland around the early 16th century. Please note that this reflects only YourRoots data for the exact Laing spelling and does not include other record sources or surname variations.
History of the Last Name Laing: What does the Laing surname history look like in the early days?
The Laing surname remained closely associated with Scotland from the 16th to the 18th century. YourRoots data also shows Laing family records in countries like the United States, indicating global spread over the centuries.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Laing surname today?
By the 20th century, the volume of records with the Laing surname grew significantly in the United States. The Laing surname remains prominent in Scotland. It appears in many countries, including the United Kingdom and Canada.
Explore Laing last name heritage and Laing surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With Laing Surame?
Jamie Laing
James Laing (November 3, 1988 - ) is an English presenter, television personality, and investor best known for his appearances on the reality TV series Made in Chelsea. He founded Candy Kittens, a confectionery company specializing in vegan and vegetarian sweets. Laing has also acted in shows like Hollyoaks and Murder In Successville, and is a regular radio presenter on BBC Radio 1. He has made notable appearances on shows like Strictly Come Dancing and Famous and Fighting Crime. Laing hosts podcasts and has showcased his talents in various entertainment realms, making him a versatile figure in the industry.
Sandra Laing
Sandra Laing (November 26, 1955) is a South African woman known for being classified as Coloured during apartheid, despite her white ancestry. Expelled from school at 10 for her appearance, she faced family turmoil. Her story inspired the film "Skin" and several documentaries, shedding light on racial complexities in South Africa.
Born with darker skin than her white family, Laing's life was marked by struggles with her identity and societal perceptions. Despite legal battles to be recognized as white, she faced ostracism and eventually eloped with a black man, leading to further challenges in her personal life.
Overcoming hardships, Laing managed to reconcile with her mother before her passing in 2001. Her story serves as a poignant reminder of the impact of apartheid on individuals and families, highlighting the lasting effects of racial discrimination.
R. D. Laing
Ronald David Laing (October 7, 1927 – August 23, 1989) was a Scottish psychiatrist known for his unconventional views on mental illness, particularly psychosis and schizophrenia. He believed in the importance of individual experiences and feelings, challenging traditional psychiatric methods. Although associated with the anti-psychiatry movement, he rejected the label, viewing schizophrenia as a response to societal dysfunction. Laing's work influenced the New Left politically and was depicted in the film "Mad to Be Normal." He established innovative psychiatric communities and advocated for alternative therapies, leaving a lasting impact on the field of mental health.
Corky Laing
Laurence Gordon "Corky" Laing (January 26, 1948) is a Canadian rock drummer known for his time with the band Mountain. He played on hit songs like "Mississippi Queen" and later formed the blues-rock trio West, Bruce and Laing with Jack Bruce. Laing has collaborated with legends like John Lennon and Bo Diddley and continues to perform with Corky Laing's Mountain. He released a memoir and autobiography, showcasing his influential career spanning decades. With a lasting impact on the rock music scene, Laing is celebrated for his drumming talent and contributions to the genre.
Kojo Laing
Bernard Kojo Laing (1 Jul 1946 – 20 Apr 2017) was a Ghanaian novelist and poet known for his use of Ghanaian Pidgin English and vernacular languages alongside standard English. His novels, such as Search Sweet Country and Woman of the Aeroplanes, were praised for their linguistic originality and vivid imagery. Laing's work received critical acclaim, with Search Sweet Country winning prizes like the Valco Award. Despite being underappreciated in his lifetime, Laing is regarded as one of the unsung heroes of African fiction. He dedicated his later years to writing full-time, leaving behind a legacy of innovative storytelling that continues to inspire readers.
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