Surname Lacks - Meaning and Origin
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Lacks: What does the surname Lacks mean?
The last name Lacks is an English or Dutch surname that originated in medieval times. The meaning of the name is unclear; some sources cite it as having a meaning related to a shallow depression in the landscape or earth, while others suggest it is related to "lack of strength".
The Lacks surname is common throughout the United States, in particular the Carolinas, as well as in other parts of Europe such as Denmark and the Netherlands. It is likely that its original bearers were of English or Dutch descent.
The Lacks family holds a special place in American history. The family is most known for their matriarch, Henrietta Lacks. In 1951, Henrietta was diagnosed with terminal cancer. Without her knowledge, doctors took a sample of her cells and these cells were eventually found to be the first line of immortal cells known as HeLa cells. The use of HeLa cells is responsible for countless breakthroughs in medical research, including the discovery of the polio vaccine.
The Lacks family has been greatly affected by the legacy of their ancestor. There is still a large amount of speculation and mystery surrounding Henrietta Lacks' contribution to science and to medical research. Her legacy is one that has shaped the lives of her descendants and will continue to influence generations in the future.
Order DNA origin analysisLacks: Where does the name Lacks come from?
The last name Lacks is most commonly found in the United States today. According to the most recent census data from 2018, the last name was found in 28 of the 50 states and the District of Columbia, making Lacks one of the more common surnames in America.
The name is particularly popular in several Southern states, including Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Virginia. Other states that rank high in terms of the popularity of "Lacks" are Maryland, Pennsylvania, and California. In total, the Census Bureau counted more than 22,000 people with the last name Lacks in the US.
The primary source of the surname comes from African American families who trace their lineage back to families that were enslaved in the US. It is believed the last name is derived from the Dutch word for "lost," "laks," as the English word to label handheld personal items that were lost during the slave trade. This last name also appears to have a prevalence within the Caribbean and South American countries, such as Bahamas, Brazil, Puerto Rico, Peru, and El Salvador.
In recent years, the name has become popularized within American popular culture in association with the Lacks family. Their ancestor, Henrietta Lacks, is known for her unknowing involvement in medical research when cells from her cervical cancer were taken in 1951 without her consent or knowledge. Many of her descendants are actively working to preserve the legacy of Henrietta and the Lacks family.
Variations of the surname Lacks
The surname Lacks has many variations, spellings and surnames of the same origin. These include Laaks, Lack, Laak, Lacks, Lax, Lackes, Laker, Laxes, Lacka, Lak, Lake, and Lock.
The variations of the surname Lacks are derived from early English ancestors and can be found in both England and Scotland, as well as other countries of the British Isles and the United States. It is thought to have roots in the pre-seventh century Old Norse word "lax," meaning salmon, though it may also be derived from the Gaelic word "lache," meaning salmon.
The surname Lacks has been anglicized, transformed over the centuries and can be found under several spellings and variations. It is associated with several distinct clans and families, including the Scottish clan of Lax, and the Lacks family from Durham in the North East of England.
Spelling variations are also commonly found due to the prevalence of the Anglicization of the surname, and these include Lackes, Laker, Laxes, Lacka, and Lak.
In terms of similar surnames, this can include Lake, Lach (of Norman origin), and Lock (from the Old Norman tradition).
Overall, the surname Lacks has many different variations, making it easier to trace its roots back to the origin of the name. It can also be associated with several distinct clans and families, as well as various spellings due to the Anglicization of the surname.
Famous people with the name Lacks
- Henrietta Lacks: Henrietta Lacks was a woman of African-American descent and an important figure in medical history. She was the unwitting donor of cancer cells that became the world’s first “immortal” cell line, known as HeLa cells.
- Zakary Lacks: Zakary Lacks is a music producer, songwriter and actor known for creating the theme song for the hit television show Empire.
- Greg Lacks: Greg Lacks is an American bodybuilder, actor, and personal trainer. He has appeared in films such as Longshot, Three O Clock High, and One Summer.
- Steve Lacks: Steve Lacks is a basketball coach for the University of Virginia. He is best known for leading the Cavaliers to the NCAA Men's Basketball Championship in 2019.
- Kenneth Lacks: Kenneth Lacks is an American professional basketball player currently signed to the Santa Cruz Warriors of the NBA G League. He is the older brother of NFL star Andre Lacks.
- Andre Lacks: Andre Lacks is an American professional football player currently playing for the Tennessee Titans of the National Football League. He is the younger brother of NBA G League player Kenneth Lacks.
- Marvin Lacks: Marvin Lacks is an American entrepreneur and philanthropist known for establishing the Lacks Cancer Foundation in honor of his late aunt, Henrietta Lacks.
- Al Lacks: Al Lacks is an American saxophone and vocal performer known for his unique blend of jazz and gospel.
- Rebecca Lacks: Rebecca Lacks is an American actress and singer known for her role in the TV musical drama Empire.
- Lawrence Lacks: Lawrence Lacks is an American cinematographer known for his work on films such as Selma, The Great Wall, and Loving.