Origin & Meaning of the Lawson Surname
What does the last name Lawson mean?
The surname Lawson carries the meaning "Son of Law." It is derived from the Old English language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 119,053 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Lawson ranks as the #256 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Lawson come from?
The Lawson surname has its roots in English heritage. Names of English origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the Lawson name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Lawson trace back to Old English. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.
Quick Facts
| Surname | Lawson |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Son of Law |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #256 |
| US Count (2010) | 119,053 |
| Per 100K People | 40.36 |
| First Letter | L |
Ethnic Distribution of Lawson
According to the US Census, the Lawson surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 119,053 Americans with the Lawson last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 73.84% |
| Black | 20.74% |
| Hispanic | 2.2% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.43% |
| Native American | 0.65% |
| Two or More Races | 2.15% |
Popularity of Lawson Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Lawson surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Lawson surname increased by 3,867 between 2000 and 2010.
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Other English Surnames
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Frequently Asked Questions About Lawson
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