Origin & Meaning of the Lyon Surname
What does the last name Lyon mean?
The surname Lyon carries the meaning "Family name of European origin." It is derived from the European language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 27,690 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Lyon ranks as the #1,271 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Lyon come from?
The Lyon surname has its roots in European heritage. Names of European 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 Lyon name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Lyon trace back to European. 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 | Lyon |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Family name of European origin |
| Origin | European |
| Language | European |
| US Rank (2010) | #1,271 |
| US Count (2010) | 27,690 |
| Per 100K People | 9.39 |
| First Letter | L |
Ethnic Distribution of Lyon
According to the US Census, the Lyon surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 27,690 Americans with the Lyon last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 91.83% |
| Black | 2.99% |
| Hispanic | 2.38% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.73% |
| Native American | 0.48% |
| Two or More Races | 1.59% |
Popularity of Lyon Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Lyon surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Lyon surname increased by 353 between 2000 and 2010.
Discover Your Lyon Ancestry
Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Lyon ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.
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The Complete Story of the Lyon Family
What you’ve read above is just the overview. Your full Lyon Heritage Report goes far deeper — and it’s yours to keep, print & share with your family.
- ✓ The true origin & meaning of Lyon
- ✓ The Lyon coat of arms & heraldry
- ✓ Migration journey across the world
- ✓ Where Lyon families live today
- ✓ Notable Lyon 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 Lyon
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Lyon.
Other European Surnames
Explore more surnames with European roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same European origin as Lyon.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lyon
Top Surnames Starting with L
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter L, ranked by population.
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