Origin & Meaning of the Lew Surname
What does the last name Lew mean?
The surname Lew carries the meaning "The (article)." It is derived from the French language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 7,410 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Lew ranks as the #4,775 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Lew come from?
The Lew surname has its roots in French heritage. Names of French 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 Lew name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Lew trace back to French. 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 | Lew |
|---|---|
| Meaning | The (article) |
| Origin | French |
| Language | French |
| US Rank (2010) | #4,775 |
| US Count (2010) | 7,410 |
| Per 100K People | 2.51 |
| First Letter | L |
Ethnic Distribution of Lew
According to the US Census, the Lew surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 7,410 Americans with the Lew last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 18.81% |
| Black | 1.13% |
| Hispanic | 3.43% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 71.5% |
| Native American | 0.11% |
| Two or More Races | 5.02% |
Popularity of Lew Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Lew surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Lew surname increased by 106 between 2000 and 2010.
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Similar Surnames to Lew
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Other French Surnames
Explore more surnames with French roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same French origin as Lew.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lew
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