Surname Lion - Meaning and Origin

Embracing My Legacy - How the iGENEA DNA test Reinvigorated My Surname, Lion, and Family Identity

As an individual with a curiosity about my family heritage, I took an iGENEA DNA test. The results gave me fascinating insights into my surname 'Lion' and expanded my definition of family identity. They connected me to distant relatives, unveiled my diverse ethnic origins, and filled my surname with a momentous historical narrative. The test, simply put, was a life-changing journey.

E. Lion

Lion: What does the surname Lion mean?

The last name Lion has its roots in medieval Europe. It is a name derived from the French term "lieunne" which in turn is derived from the Latin term "leo" meaning "Lion".

The Lion name is a reference to strength, courage and nobility. Historically, people bearing this name were thought to possess these positive traits, and this belief still holds true to this day. To be brave and courageous is a quality still praised and sought after in many places.

The Lion name is thought to have associations with both the lion as an animal and the lion as a mythical creature. To some it may represent wealth and civil power while to others it may signify a strong protector and benevolent leader.

The lion as a symbol of strength has been found in many cultures and eras around the world. In ancient Egypt, the lion was a symbol of power and protection. In the Bible, the Lion of Judah is an important figure in the Hebrew Bible representing God's coming kingdom. In classical mythology, the Nemean Lion was a dangerous beast that Hercules had to confront and vanquish in one of his Twelve Labors.

No matter the perspective, the name Lion carries a certain weight and respect. It stands for bravery, strength, courage and nobility. Whether it be historically or in modern times, it can be a reminder to those bearing it to stay true to their values and honor their duties.

Lion: Where does the name Lion come from?

The last name Lion is most commonly found in parts of Europe such as France, Italy, and Spain. Although, it is also found in other countries across the world. This last name is likely to have originated from France, with roots in medieval times, when King Richard the Lionheart ruled and many French families adopted the last name Lion in his honour.

Outside of Europe, Lion is seen in countries like Brazil and Israel. It is assumed that the name made its way to these countries through migration.

In the United States, surnames like Lion are more common in certain areas. In 2020, the surname Lion was the 775th most common name in California, 620th in New York, 576th in Florida, 570th in Illinois, and 483rd in Pennsylvania. It is also seen in other American states such as Texas, Ohio, New Jersey, and Connecticut.

In Canada, Lion is relatively more common. During the 2017 census, it was seen that a whopping 369 individuals in Canada held the last name Lion. These people were settled mainly in Ontario, Quebec, Alberta, and British Columbia.

Overall, the last name Lion is distributed around the globe, with some regions exhibiting higher concentrations than others. This last name is likely to have derived from a middle French personal name, which was then popularized by King Richard the Lionheart of England.

Variations of the surname Lion

The surname Lion is derived from the French Léon, a regional spelling of Leon, which itself originated from the Hebrew name Levi (לֵוִי). The German equivalent is Leune, Polish - Leona, and Ukrainian and Russian forms are Leonovi.

Variants of the surname Lion include:

1. Leun

2. Léon

3. Leona

4. Leonel

5. Leonelli

6. Leone

7. Leonaard

8. Leondrop

9. Leonelus

10. Leonhart

11. Leonides

12. Levy

13. Levison

14. Levitt

15. Levine

16. Levinsky

17. Lyons

18. Lewin

19. Levon

20. Lenin

Spellings of the name Lion can also include:

1. L-i-o-n

2. L-y-o-n

3. L-y-o-n-s

4. L-o-y-n

5. L-e-o-n

6. L-e-i-o-n

7. L-e-y-o-n

8. L-e-e-o-n

9. L-i-e-o-n

Surnames of the same origin as Lion include:

1. Lyons

2. Leon

3. Levine

4. Levinson

5. Lewis

6. Levin

7. Leob

8. Levene

9. Levenson

10. Levey

11. Loeb

12. Lowenstein

13. Levy

14. Levitt

15. Levyov

16. Leonov

17. Levans

18. Loewinsohn

19. Levinsky

20. Lewinson

Famous people with the name Lion

• Mica Lion: Venezuelan football player
• Ivan Lion: French badminton player
• Enzo Lion: French actor and singer
• Lawson Lion: American actor, director, and producer
• Marc Lion: Dutch Paralympic athlete
• Leo Lion: Austrian Alpine skier
• Mayan Lion: Israeli actress
• Brandon Lion: British animator and visual effects artist
• Robert Lion: Italian architect
• George Lion: American politician

Other surnames

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