Surname Lanning - Meaning and Origin

Unraveling the Intricate Historical and Cultural Roots of the Lanning Surname

Through an iGENEA DNA test, I've discovered fascinating aspects of my surname, 'Lanning.' Originated from the rugged charm of Anglo-Saxon England, the name offers a glimpse into a landscape etched with lanes and pathways, tied to deep cultural influences from Eastern Europe and Scandinavia, all culminating in a rich tapestry of history.

C. Lanning

Lanning: What does the surname Lanning mean?

The last name Lanning is believed to have French roots and is derived from the ancient Anglo-Norman surname of 'de Lanier'. It can be found in records from as far back as the 12th century in Europe.

Originally, the surname was a nickname referring to someone with a 'lion-like' physique. Later, the surname evolved in various countries to later mean a 'close relative of a person with immense wealth and power'.

The surname is popular in the United States and Canada, and can be found in England, Ireland, Wales, and Scotland. In the 20th century, the name travelled with settlers to Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa.

Today, variants of the name Lanning are found all across the globe. Since its original derivation, the name has also been spelt in different ways including Lanier, Laning, Lannen, and Lannin.

Altogether, the name Lanning embodies strength, resilience and nobility, and has long been associated with well-off families and powerful people. The proud heritage that follows the name is something that many people take pride in.

Lanning: Where does the name Lanning come from?

The last name Lanning is most common in the United States. According to Ancestry.com, the last name is most common in the Midwestern region, particularly in the states of Indiana, Arkansas, and Iowa. It is also fairly common in the South and in the Northeast.

In terms of global population distribution, Lanning is a relatively rare surname. It does not appear among the most popular last names in any other major English-speaking countries, such as Canada, Ireland, the United Kingdom, Australia, or New Zealand.

The vast majority of people with the last name Lanning in the United States trace their ancestry back to English or Welsh immigrants who arrived in North America during the seventeenth century. Similarly, many African Americans with this surname are descended from slaves imported from the British Isles.

Today, the last name Lanning is still primarily associated with the United States; however, there are pockets of people around the world who carry the name, especially in other English-speaking countries. In recent years, it has started to become more common in South Africa, the United Arab Emirates, and the Cayman Islands.

Variations of the surname Lanning

The surname Lanning is of Old English (Anglo-Saxon) origin and is fundamentally a topographical name referring to someone who lived near or near a prominent lane or pathway. Variants, spellings, and alternate surnames, some of which are fewer common than others are as follows:

Laning; Lannan; Lannen; Lannin; Lannon; Lannen; Lannes; Lenning; Lennin; Lennen; Lennan; Lannin; Linnan; Linning; Lennane; Lenane; Linnin; Linnane; Lannan.

Many of the alternate surnames have been adopted by individuals within the Lanning family to keep their name alive. Others have shortened their surname, adding only one syllable to the end of their original name, such as Lannen to Lanny or Lanning to Laning.

Lanning, as an English patronymic name, is derived from the Old English words lan, meaning lane, and ing, meaning dweller or inhabitant. Thus, Lanning literally translates to ‘dweller of the lane’, from which topographical surname Laning is also derived. Laning and Lenning are the two most common derived spellings of this surname.

There are also more modern forms of the surname, originating with immigrants who settled in the United States and Canada, that diverge from the Old English origins, such as Lennon and Lennan.

Overall, the spelling for the surname Lanning has varied greatly across different generations and locations, forming many alternative surnames along the way.

Famous people with the name Lanning

• Melissa Lanning: American actress best known for her role as Amber in Fox’s drama series “Lie to Me.”
• Ken Lanning: Former FBI agent and one of the foremost experts on serial murder in the United States.
• Stephanie Lanning: American model and television personality, most notable for being a contestant on cycle 2 of America’s Next Top Model.
• Meg Lanning: Professional Australian cricketer, currently captain of the Australian National Team.
• Ryan Lanning: American actor, most notably known for his recurring roles in television series such as CSI, The Mentalist, and House.
• Alison Lanning: British actress, best known for her roles in British television series such as Waking the Dead.
• Joe Lanning: Former Major League Baseball pitcher who played for the Milwaukee Brewers and Houston Astros.
• Sean Lanning: American actor who has appeared in various advertisements and short films.
• Emma Lanning: Former professional acrobatic gymnast and stunt performer, best known for her appearance in Cirque du Soleil's show Viva Elvis.
• Bruce Lanning: English children's author and illustrator, best known for his series of books about the characters Bob and Lizzie.

Other surnames

Lannin