Lyon Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Lyon come from? What does the surname Lyon mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Lyon and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Leon, Lion, Louden, Lyall, Lyons
Surname Lyon Origin: What does the last name Lyon mean?
The Lyon surname has its origins in England, with the earliest recorded instances dating back to the 12th century. Derived from the YourRoots database, this surname has historical ties to the United Kingdom, particularly England and Scotland. As time progressed, the Lyon surname started to gain prominence in the United States during the 16th century, signifying its expansion beyond its initial roots. The trend of Lyon surname records continued to increase in the United States throughout the 17th and 18th centuries.
With the Lyon surname displaying a strong presence in the United States, it has also spread to various regions globally. From the 16th century onwards, the Lyon surname has been increasingly found in the United States, surpassing the number of records in the United Kingdom by the 17th century. Today, the Lyon surname is not only prevalent in the United States but can also be identified in multiple countries worldwide, showcasing its extensive reach and diverse cultural connections.
Lyon Last Name History: Where did the last name Lyon come from?
Origin of Lyon Surname: Where does the last name Lyon originate from?
According to YourRoots data, the earliest record of the surname Lyon can be traced back to England in the United Kingdom around the beginning of the 12th century. This data refers specifically to the exact “Lyon” spelling as seen in the YourRoots database and may not cover other potential sources or variations of the surname.
Early Growth of the Lyon Surname: How did the Lyon surname trend in its early days?
Early records of the Lyon surname remained strongly associated with the United Kingdom, particularly England and Scotland, from the 12th century through to the 15th century. During the 16th century, the Lyon surname began to appear with increased frequency in the United States, signifying the beginning of its spread beyond the UK. This trend continued into the 17th and 18th centuries, with a notable increase in Lyon surname records in the United States.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Lyon surname today?
Starting from the 16th century, the Lyon surname began to appear with increasing frequency in the United States. By the 17th century, the volume of Lyon surname records in the United States had surpassed those in the United Kingdom. This trend continued into the 18th and 19th centuries. Today, the Lyon surname is prevalent in the United States but can also be found in various regions around the globe, including the United Kingdom and several other countries.
Explore Lyon last name heritage and Lyon surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With Lyon Surame?
Sue Lyon
Suellyn "Sue" Lyon (July 10, 1946 – Dec 26, 2019) was an American actress best known for her role as Lolita in Stanley Kubrick's controversial film adaptation. Lyon's career featured notable roles in various films, including The Night of the Iguana and Tony Rome. She later retired from acting and made a cameo in a popular Welsh rock band's artwork.
Matthew Lyon
Matthew Lyon (July 14, 1749 - August 1, 1822) was an Irish-born American printer, farmer, soldier, and politician. He served in Congress for Vermont and Kentucky, gaining fame for brawling with fellow Congressmen and being jailed under the Sedition Act. Lyon's trial and incarceration elevated him as a free-speech martyr for the Democratic-Republican Party.
Margaret Lyon
Margaret Lyon (died 1625) was a Scottish aristocrat known as the "Countess of Cassilis." She was involved in property disputes and wrote letters to secure her family's interests. Lyon's legacy includes her children with Gilbert Kennedy and John Hamilton, who held prestigious titles in Scottish society.
Robert Menli Lyon
Robert Menli Lyon (born Robert Milne; 1789–1874) was a pioneering Western Australian settler who advocated for Indigenous Australian rights. He learned the Aboriginal language, defended their rights, and published valuable cultural information. Lyon's efforts for peace between settlers and Aboriginals made him a controversial but influential figure.
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