Origin & Meaning of the Lewis Surname
What does the last name Lewis mean?
The surname Lewis carries the meaning "Anglicized form of Llywelyn, or from the French Louis meaning 'famous warrior'." It is derived from the Welsh language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 531,781 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Lewis ranks as the #29 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Lewis come from?
The Lewis surname has its roots in Welsh/English heritage. Names of Welsh/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 Lewis name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Lewis trace back to Welsh. 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 | Lewis |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Anglicized form of Llywelyn, or from the French Louis meaning 'famous warrior' |
| Origin | Welsh/English |
| Language | Welsh |
| US Rank (2010) | #29 |
| US Count (2010) | 531,781 |
| Per 100K People | 180.28 |
| First Letter | L |
Ethnic Distribution of Lewis
According to the US Census, the Lewis surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 531,781 Americans with the Lewis last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 58.23% |
| Black | 34.84% |
| Hispanic | 2.58% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.56% |
| Native American | 1.2% |
| Two or More Races | 2.58% |
Popularity of Lewis Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Lewis surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Lewis surname increased by 21,851 between 2000 and 2010.
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Other Welsh/English Surnames
Explore more surnames with Welsh/English roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same Welsh/English origin as Lewis.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lewis
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