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.
Discover Your Lawson Ancestry
Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Lawson ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.
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The Complete Story of the Lawson Family
What you’ve read above is just the overview. Your full Lawson Heritage Report goes far deeper — and it’s yours to keep, print & share with your family.
- ✓ The true origin & meaning of Lawson
- ✓ The Lawson coat of arms & heraldry
- ✓ Migration journey across the world
- ✓ Where Lawson families live today
- ✓ Notable Lawson bearers in history
- ✓ Name variations & spellings worldwide
- ✓ A step-by-step guide to start tracing your own family tree
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Similar Surnames to Lawson
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Lawson.
Other English Surnames
Explore more surnames with English roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same English origin as Lawson.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lawson
Top Surnames Starting with L
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter L, ranked by population.
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