Lewis Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Lewis come from? What does the surname Lewis mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Lewis and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Laws, Lewison, Lowis, McGlew
Surname Lewis Origin: What does the last name Lewis mean?
The surname Lewis has multiple origins, with one source tracing it back to the Norman personal name Lowis, derived from the Latin Ludovicus, meaning "famed battle." This name spread to England through the Normans and evolved into Clovis, Clouis, and Louis in Old French. In Wales, Lewis developed as an Anglicized form of Welsh names like Llywelyn. It is also linked to Gaelic and Jewish surnames, such as Mac Lughaidh and Levy. Lewis was the fourth most common surname in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines in 2014.
YourRoots data indicates that the Lewis surname has a long history, originating in Wales in the early 13th century. It spread to the United States by the 16th century and has since become prevalent globally. The name has been found in countries like the United Kingdom, the United States, and Canada, among others. The Lewis surname reflects a diverse heritage and has established a strong presence in various regions worldwide, showcasing its widespread and enduring significance.
Lewis Last Name History: Where did the last name Lewis come from?
Origin of Lewis Surname: Where does the last name Lewis originate from?
Based on the YourRoots data, the surname Lewis was initially found in records from Wales, United Kingdom around the early 13th century. It's important to remember that this information pertains solely to YourRoots data for the exact "Lewis" spelling, and does not take into account other sources or variations of the surname.
History of the Last Name Lewis: What does the Lewis surname history look like in the early days?
The "Lewis" surname remained closely tied to Wales, United Kingdom from the 13th through the 15th century. However, by the 16th century, the volume of Lewis family records began to increase significantly in the United States. This trend continued into the 17th and 18th centuries, indicating global spread over the centuries. YourRoots data also suggests the Lewis surname appearing in other countries, although the specifics are not provided.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Lewis surname today?
The volume of records with the Lewis surname grew considerably in the United States by the 16th century. By the early 17th century, it had overtaken Wales, United Kingdom—a trend that continued into the 18th and 19th centuries. Today, the "Lewis" surname is prevalent in the United States and other regions globally. The specifics about its global spread are not provided, but according to YourRoots data, it is found in various countries.
Explore Lewis last name heritage and Lewis surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With Lewis Surame?
Juliette Lewis
Juliette Lake Lewis (born Jun 21, 1973) is an American actress, singer, and musician known for her portrayals of offbeat characters in films with dark themes. She gained fame in the early 1990s with roles in movies like Cape Fear and Natural Born Killers. Lewis has also pursued a successful music career with her band, Juliette and the Licks.
John Lewis
John Robert Lewis (Feb 21, 1940 - Jul 17, 2020) was an influential American civil rights activist and politician. He played key roles in the civil rights movement, including leading marches and organizing the 1963 March on Washington. Lewis served in the U.S. House of Representatives for Georgia's 5th district for 17 terms.
Jenny Lewis
Jennifer Diane Lewis (born Jan 8, 1976) is an American singer-songwriter, musician, and actress. She gained fame as the lead singer of indie rock band Rilo Kiley and has released several solo albums. Lewis also had a successful acting career in the 1980s before focusing on music.
Leah Lewis
Leah Marie Lewis (Dec 9, 1996) is an American actress known for her roles in popular series like Nancy Drew and films like The Half of It. Adopted from Shanghai, she began her career in commercials and later starred in Pixar's Elemental. Beyond acting, she enjoys singing, playing guitar, and photography.
Jenifer Lewis
Jenifer Jeanette Lewis (born Jan 25, 1957) is an American actress known as "The Mother of Black Hollywood." She has appeared in films like Beaches, Sister Act, and The Princess and the Frog. Lewis also starred in TV shows like Strong Medicine and Black-ish, receiving critical acclaim for her performances.
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