Lane Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Lane come from? What does the surname Lane mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Lane and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Surname Lane Origin: What does the last name Lane mean?
Lane is a surname with multiple origins. It can be traced back to Middle English, where it was used as a topographic name for someone living on a lane, which referred to any narrow pathway, including those between houses in a town. Additionally, there are suggestions of a Norman or Breton origin for some Lane families, possibly derived from nicknames like "le Asinus" (the Ass) or from toponyms in Normandy or Brittany. Lane families have been documented in various English counties, with some claiming Norman ancestry dating back to the 14th century. Tax lists in Buckinghamshire in the 1400s further show Lane families with the Saxon term "atte" being used, similar to the French term "de la," indicating a topographic reference.According to YourRoots data, the Lane surname first appeared in records from the United Kingdom in the early 14th century. The surname remained closely associated with the UK through the 15th century before spreading to the United States in the 16th century. Over time, the Lane surname became prominent in the US, surpassing its presence in the UK by the 17th century. Today, Lane remains a common surname in the US, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Ireland, reflecting its widespread global presence and rich history.
Lane Last Name History: Where did the last name Lane come from?
Origin of Lane Surname: Where does the last name Lane originate from?
According to YourRoots data, the surname Lane first appeared in records from the United Kingdom around the early 14th century. Please note that this reflects only YourRoots data for the exact “Lane” spelling and does not include other record sources or surname variations.
History of the Last Name Lane: What does the Lane surname history look like in the early days?
The “Lane” surname remained closely associated with the United Kingdom from the 14th through the 15th century. It was in the 16th century that the United States began to feature prominently in the Lane family records in the YourRoots database, indicating the surname's spread across the Atlantic.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Lane surname today?
From the 16th century onwards, the volume of records with the Lane surname grew significantly in the United States. By the start of the 17th century, it had surpassed the United Kingdom, a trend that continued into the 18th and 19th centuries. Today, the “Lane” surname remains prominent in the United States, but the YourRoots data also shows it present in several other countries worldwide, including but not limited to the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Ireland.
Explore Lane last name heritage and Lane surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With Lane Surame?
Diane Lane
Diane Colleen Lane (born Jan 22, 1965) is an American actress known for her diverse roles in films ranging from romantic comedies to thrillers. She gained critical acclaim for her performance in the erotic thriller Unfaithful (2002) and has appeared in various successful movies like The Perfect Storm (2000) and Under the Tuscan Sun (2003). Lane also played Martha Kent in the DC Extended Universe films, starting with Man of Steel (2013). With multiple award nominations and a successful career spanning decades, Lane continues to captivate audiences with her talent on both the big screen and television.
Nathan Lane
Nathan Lane (Joseph Lane; February 3, 1956 - ) is a renowned American actor known for his versatile performances on stage and screen. With an impressive list of awards, including three Tony Awards and three Emmy Awards, Lane has been a prominent figure in the entertainment industry since the 1970s. He has starred in popular films like "The Lion King" and "The Birdcage," as well as acclaimed Broadway productions such as "The Producers" and "Angels in America." Lane's talent and charisma have solidified his reputation as one of the greatest stage entertainers of our time.
Lauren Lane
Lauren Lane (February 2, 1961 - ) is an American actress best known for her role as C.C. Babcock on the popular TV show The Nanny. Born in Oklahoma City, Lane has also appeared in films like Interface and shows like L.A. Law. She has a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree and a Master's degree in acting. Lane currently teaches at Texas State University and has performed in various theater productions. Additionally, she voiced a character in Gen13 and reunited with The Nanny cast for a special in 2004. Lane's talent and charm have captivated audiences for decades.
Matteo Lane
Matthew "Matteo" Lane (born Jun 28, 1986) is an American comedian, actor, singer, and illustrator. Known for his stand-up comedy, Lane has appeared on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Late Night with Seth Meyers, and HBO's Crashing. He is a vocal advocate for the LGBTQ+ community and has been recognized for his work in comedy. Lane, who speaks multiple languages and studied art, has a diverse background that influences his performances. He co-hosted the podcast Inside the Closet and has been featured in Netflix's The Comedy Lineup. Lane continues to make waves in the entertainment industry with his unique blend of humor and activism.
Jani Lane
Jani Lane (John Kennedy Oswald) was the lead vocalist, frontman, and main songwriter for glam metal band Warrant. Born on Feb 1, 1964, Lane achieved success with hits like "Cherry Pie" and "Heaven." Lane also released solo albums and contributed to various projects. Despite struggles, Lane's musical talent left a lasting impact on the rock music scene.
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