Surname Lawler - Meaning and Origin

Investigating Ancestral Traces: My iGENEA DNA Test Reveal

Finding out about my ancestors has been a thrilling journey made possible through the advanced technology of iGENEA DNA Test. The unexpected twists and turns in my family history, particularly linked to the surname Lawler, opened my eyes to a completely different legacy.

K. Lawler

Lawler: What does the surname Lawler mean?

The surname Lawler is of Irish origin, deriving from the Gaelic O'Leathlobhair. The old Gaelic personal name Leathlobhar means 'half-leper' suggesting that perhaps the original bearer of the name suffered from a skin disease like psoriasis. Lawler is an anglicized form of this Gaelic name. The Lawler family originated from County Kildare, Ireland, near Dublin. They were a part of the tribe Ui Dunchada (Dempseys) in the kingdom of Ui Failghe. Over time, the name spread throughout Ireland and made its way abroad through emigration, particularly during the time of the Irish Potato Famine in the mid 19th century. Despite its seemingly negative implication, the surname has a history of being associated with individuals of courage and resilience in the face of adversity.

Lawler: Where does the name Lawler come from?

The surname Lawler has an Irish origin and is derived from the Gaelic "Leathlobhair", which means 'half-leper'. The surname may have originated as a nickname for someone who suffered from a skin disease such as psoriasis. The prefix "Leath" (Half) was often used in old Irish names as a form of affectionate diminutive. The original Gaelic form of the name is O Leathlobhair, which is derived from a personal name meaning “one who has a sickly half grey appearance.”

The surname Lawler is most common in Ireland, specifically, the province of Leinster. Three different O'Lawlor clans existed in Ireland, two in County Leix and one in County Tipperary. According to records, the O'Lawlor name was also found in County Kildare. Today, although spread out due to diaspora, the name is still predominantly found in Ireland, followed by countries with significant Irish immigration history such as the United States, Canada, the UK, and Australia. It is worth mentioning that the spelling often varies, depending on geographical location, and can include Lawlor, Lalor, Laler, Lauler, and others.

Variations of the surname Lawler

Lawler is an anglicized version of the Gaelic name O'Leathlobhair, which originates from the pre-10th-century Old Gaelic name. Its variants and alternate spellings include Lawlor, Loller, Lauler, Lawler, Lollar, Lalor, Laylor, Lealer and Lawley. Regional differences in pronunciation and spelling, as well as variations introduced through translation and Anglicization, have contributed to the variety of forms. It's also known that some families changed their name to Waller, Walker or Lawyer.

The meaning behind the name is less clear, with interpretations ranging from "one who mutters," to "half-leper" (a possible indication of a person with some form of skin disease), to “keeper of dogs”, given that “leathlobhair” means hound of two thirds.

A large number of people with this surname can be found in counties Laois and Kildare in Ireland. Many people bearing this surname emigrated to the United States, Canada, Australia and the United Kingdom over the course of centuries, further spreading and diversifying the name.

Famous people with the name Lawler

• Jerry Lawler: also known as "The King" is a professional wrestling commentator, television presenter, actor and former professional wrestler.
• Kevin Michael Lawler: an American musician best known as the bassist of the rock band My Chemical Romance.
• Bob Lawler: an American actor who is best known for his roles in The Fast and the Furious, Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story, and The Comebacks.
• Phoenix Lawler: an American fashion model who has worked for brands such as Guess, Maybelline, American Eagle, and The Gap.
• Ryan Lawler: an expert technologist and startup investor who is currently a partner at two venture capital firms.
• Ray Lawler: an Australian author, playwright and director who is best known for his classic Australian play, Summer of the Seventeenth Doll
• Heather Lawler: an American activist and public speaker who is a prominent voice in the movement to reduce violence against women and for the rights of victims of domestic violence.
• Chris Lawler: an English former footballer who played for Liverpool, England and a number of other English clubs in the 1960s and 1970s.
• Pete Lawler: an American country music artist who released several albums and had several charting singles throughout the 1990s and early 2000s.
• Lorraine Lawler: an American television and film actress who had several notable roles in The West Wing, The Americans, and The Kids Are All Right.

Other surnames

LawleeLawlessLawley