Lewis Surname: Origin and Coat of Arms
What does Lewis mean, and where does it come from? Here is a brief introduction.
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Origin of the Lewis name
Lewis has several roots. In Wales it often anglicized Llywelyn, a princely name, or came from the given name Lewis as a form of French Louis. In England it could also be from Old English Hlēowīg or from the Norman personal name. It is especially common in Wales and western England.
Our historical archives hold much more on the Lewis name: dates, names and records of early bearers.
This overview covers the Lewis name in Wales & England. We also hold records of the name in other countries, such as the United States, Australia and Canada; your full pack is researched for your family's country of origin.
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Lewis name FAQ
What does the Lewis name mean?
From Llywelyn; or from Louis. Common variants include Lewes, Louis, Lewison.
Where does the Lewis surname come from?
It originates in Wales & England, and is also found in the United States, Australia and Canada.
Is there a Lewis coat of arms?
Arms were granted to individuals, not whole surnames, so there is no single Lewis crest. Herald Lab paints a personalized Lewis coat of arms based on historic heraldry.
Researched by Herald Lab Research Studio, since 1993. Sources: Reaney & Wilson, Dictionary of English Surnames; Dictionary of American Family Names (Oxford).