Surname Lies - Meaning and Origin
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Lies: What does the surname Lies mean?
The last name Lies is of German origin, and is derived from the term "lee" which was a nickname for a meadow, indicating that the original bearers of the surname most likely originated from a rural area. Lies can also be a shortened form of Elijah, as the Latinised form of Elias. It may also derive from the Middle High German word "Liesen" which is used to describe the process of cutting hay.
The surname Lies likely developed from the early medieval German name ‘Laz’, which in turn is derived from the Old High German word ‘lasi’. This word can refer to a meadow or pasture, indicating that those who carried the name 'Lies' in ancient times were meadow dwellers. The name may have originated as a nickname, given to those people who lived in the meadows.
Those called 'Lies' may also have been given the nickname because of their physical characteristics; either because of their blonde hair or blue eyes. Over time, the name evolved from 'Laz' or 'Lasi' to the modern spelling of 'Lies'.
The name Lies is now common in many parts of the world, but is most commonly found in Germany. It is a reminder of the many stories and rich history connected to this unique surname.
Order DNA origin analysisLies: Where does the name Lies come from?
The last name Lies is most commonly found in Germany and Austria but it can also be found in other European countries such as France, the Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland, and Poland. It is also fairly common in the United States, with notable locations including Wisconsin, Minnesota, Illinois, Indiana, and New Jersey.
The surname Lies is believed to have originated in the Middle High German word “lîs”, meaning “pardoner” or “pardon-master.” It was an occupational name acquired by someone who acted in the capacity of a mediator for two parties in order to obtain a pardon or absolution for some offense. The Lies surname was first found on record during the 13th century, when one “Kunera Liensen” of Poine in what is now northern Germany was recorded in 1223.
The Lies surname also held a place of prominence in the Middle Ages. For instance, Heinrich Liessen was a commander of the knight-saddle for one of the Dutch armies during the winter of 139-141. Later, in the 18th century, several notable members of the Lies family were recorded, including Johann Christian Lies who became the mayor of the Weersburg in 1752.
Today the Lies family name is becoming more widespread, particularly in the United States. It is particularly common among German and Austrian immigrants and their descendants.
Variations of the surname Lies
The surname "Lies" originates from a German and Dutch language background. Some of its variants include Lees, Ley, Loes, Leys, and Liees. This surname is a generally short form of the name “Liebesmann” which means “beloved man.” It was also sometimes regarded as a term of endearment, like calling someone beloved.
In the Netherlands, the spelling of the surname Lies may be spelt Lees, Ley, Loes or Leys. Dutch people with the surname Lees often anglicize the name to the spelling of “Lies” when they move to other countries such as the United States, Canada or Australia. In the United States, the name is spelled almost invariably as “Lies”.
In Germany, the surnames Lees, Ley, Loes, Leys, and Liees are all different spellings of the same surname, which is derived from the name “Liebesmann”. The surname is borne by more than 30,000 people in Germany. Some variations of this name include Leymann, Lieman, Leyen, Löwen and Liebenau.
In the United States, the surname Lies has been recorded in many different forms since the 19th century, including Lyes, Lye, Leys, Lees, Liees, and Loe. A number of families bearing the Lies name had arrived in the United States by the early 19th century. One of the earliest people with this surname in the US was Johannes Lies, who arrived in Philadelphia in 1866.
In England, some spellings are Lies, Lehrs, Lees and Lyes. The surname Lees is derived from the Old English personal name Laeis, which is an Old German and Old Dutch name. Thus, people with this surname in England can trace their roots to German and Dutch origins. The English spelling Lees often anglicizes to Lies or Lyes when it is used in the United States.
Overall, the origin of the surname Lies can be traced back to the German and Dutch language. It is a surname with many variations in spelling, depending on the location, including Lees, Ley, Loes, Leys, Liees, Leymann, Lieman, Leyen, Löwen and Liebenau. It is also common for the spelling of this surname to anglicize to Lies or Lyes when it's used in countries such as the United States and England.
Famous people with the name Lies
- Alexander LIES, Bavarian politician
- Brian LIES, American author and illustrator
- Christopher LIES, American politician
- David LIES, American actor
- Edward LIES, American livestock breeder
- Freddie LIES, Belgian footballer
- Glynis LIES, British painter
- Hans LIES, German sculptor
- Henry LIES, German-born American Roman Catholic bishop
- Joseph LIES, American religious figure
- Katrin LIES, German politician
- Kurt LIES, German writer
- Mark LIES, American journalist
- Matthew LIES, American author
- Megan LIES, Australian actress
- Moritz LIES, German writer
- Nichola LIES, British short story writer
- Nicholas LIES, Australian playwright
- Olga LIES, Spanish artist
- Roman LIES, Czech documentary filmmaker