Surname Luby - Meaning and Origin
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Luby: What does the surname Luby mean?
The last name Luby has a number of potential meanings and origins. It is likely derived from the Germanic word lube, which has a few meanings depending on the context. One interpretation is 'love', another is 'graceful', and a third interpretation is 'loud'.
The name could also originate from the German Lubi or Luy, which comes from a Slavic nickname for 'long-haired', referring to someone who has long flowing hair. It could also have derived from a nickname for a tall person, as Luby in some areas is short form for Lubovnik, meaning someone with an elevated stature.
In the Middle Ages, the Luby family could have been an aristocratic family. During that time, only the offspring of high nobility used double surnames. This, combined with the name having originated from words meaning 'love', 'graceful' or 'loud', suggest that the Lubys may have been an affluent family.
The Luby surname also appears to have been fairly widespread, with members of the family having immigrated and settled across Europe, the United States, Canada and Australia. As more research is conducted, more variants of the name can be identified, particularly in British records where it has been Anglicized to ‘Luby’, ‘Lubey’, or ‘Louis’.
Overall, the surname Luby has a number of potential meanings and origins, though its exact origin remains unknown. It is likely that it has Germanic and Slavic roots, and that it may even have some link to a noble aristocratic family in the Middle Ages.
Order DNA origin analysisLuby: Where does the name Luby come from?
The last name Luby is most commonly associated with the midwestern United States. The earliest Luby settlers to the area were in Illinois and Indiana, where the name is particularly strong even today.
In Illinois, places like Springfield, Decatur, and Chicago are said to be hubs for residents bearing the surname. The town of Kingman, Indiana also has many Luby residents. Those who have settled in this state trace their heritage to German, Irish, and English immigrants.
Luby can also be found in Ohio, Pennsylvania, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, New York, and even in Canada. The majority of those with the last name Luby are descendants of European immigrants from the 19th century.
As for the Lubys of today, they can still be found across the same midwestern states as well as areas of the east and west coasts. The internet has made it much easier to connect Luby family tree branches, and to discover the history and heritage of the name. It is also easier for Lubys to engage in genealogical research of their own.
In short, the last name Luby is still a common one in the midwestern United States, as it has been for over a hundred years. Its presence has since spread to other states and even countries, thanks to the ease of travel and communication.
Variations of the surname Luby
The Luby surname is of both Irish and English origin, and has numerous spelling variations. In Irish, the original form of the surname was Mac Giolla Bhuí ‘Son of the devotee of St. Buí' and variants are primarily found in County Cork. The English spelling is Lubey or Luby, and variants are commonly found in Yorkshire.
Common spellings of the Luby surname include all of the following:
Lubey, Lubeigh, Lubeigh, Lubea, Lubya, Luby, Lubye, Loubey, Loubie, Louby,Loubee, Looby, Loby, Lobey, Lobyee, Lobies, Loobee, Lobee.
Variants of the surname Luby in England may include Lobb, Labey, Labey, Labia and Lovering. Variants in Ireland include Mac Giolla Bhuí, MacGillabee, MacWillabee, MacWilloby and MacGillibee.
The Luby surname was found mostly in County Cork in Ireland, and in the Northern English county of Yorkshire. It is still a popular surname today.
Famous people with the name Luby
- Robert Luby: Notable American artist, who became well known for his combination of traditional painting techniques and his digital art.
- Jason Luby: American basketball player who played in the 2005 NBA Draft and was picked by the Chicago Bulls.
- Jacki Luby: Artist and sculptor who has shown her work extensively in North America and Europe.
- Mike Luby: Electric bassist in the band Flight of Moths.
- Daniel Luby: Entertainment executive, consultant and film producer known for his work in top film production companies and television networks.
- Tanja Luby: Canadian curler who represented Canada at the 2014 World Women's Curling Championship.
- Ruben Luby: American football player who went undrafted in the 2012 NFL Draft.
- Rick Luby: American musician and songwriter who plays bass in the progressive rock/metal band To Neptune.
- Eileen Luby: Notable mixed media painter who is recognized for her vibrant work.
- Christopher Luby: Television screenwriter who most notably wrote for the TV show "Grimm".