Surname Lalor - Meaning and Origin
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Lalor: What does the surname Lalor mean?
The surname Lalor is of Irish origin and is derived from the Gaelic name "O Leathlobhair" which roughly translates to "half-leper". This does not necessarily indicate a connection to the disease leprosy, it might metaphorically refer to a hermit or a loner. The name is found predominantly in the province of Leinster, specifically in County Laois. Other variants of this surname include Lawler, Lollar, and Lawlor. Like many Irish surnames, Lalor can be traced back to a single progenitor—Lalor is said to descend from Laois chieftain Laoighseach Ceannmhor, or Laoiseach Ceanmor, which meant Laoiseach of the Big Head, therefore many Lalors are still found in County Laois today. It is also important to mention the Lalors have a significant place in Irish history, particularly due to their involvement in different rebellions and movements against the British rule during the 19th century, most famously with the influential figure, James Fintan Lalor.
Order DNA origin analysisLalor: Where does the name Lalor come from?
The surname Lalor has Irish origins. Specifically, it derives from the ancient Gaelic name "O'Leathlobhair," which translates to "descendant of Leathlobhar". Leathlobhar is a personal name composed of the elements "leath", half, and "lobhar", meaning the sick or leper. Therefore, an ancestor would have been a half sick or leper person and this name signified his descendants. In the process of anglicization, the name has been written in different ways, like Lalor, Lawler, and Lawlor.
Today, the surname Lalor is found most commonly in Ireland, especially in County Leix (also known as County Laois). However, due to historical Irish emigration, people bearing the name Lalor are also found in other English-speaking countries including the United States, Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom. People with the Lalor surname in these countries are typically descendants of Irish immigrants.
Variations of the surname Lalor
The surname Lalor has many variations and spellings due to regional pronunciation and spelling adaptations over many centuries. Here are some of the most common:
Laller, Lalor, Lawler, Lawlor, and Loller are main variants of this surname. In some cases, the surname may be O'Lalor, O'Lawler, or O'Lawlor. These prefixes are often used to denote “descendant of Lalor”.
Older Gaelic iterations of the name may appear as O'Leathlobhair or Ó Leathlobhair (the original Irish spelling). The surname can also be Anglicized in a number of ways, resulting in variations such as Lalour, Leathley, Leathly, and Leathlobhar.
It is worth noting that spelling variations can also occur within the same family, partly due to the lack of standardisation in spelling until recent times.
The surname Lalor originates from Ireland, deriving from the Old Gaelic "O'Leathlobhair". The prefix "O" denotes "grandson or male descendant of", while the specific meaning of "Leathlobhair" is "half leper". The original clan hailed from Leinster province, specifically Laois County.
Famous people with the name Lalor
- Peter Fintan Lalor: He was an Irish-Australian rebel, politician and gold miner who is famous for being the main leader of the Eureka Rebellion. He later went into politics and became Speaker of the Victoria Legislative Assembly.
- James Fintan Lalor: The brother of Peter Lalor, James was an Irish revolutionary and writer. He was a prominent member of the Irish Confederation and was known for his writings on the land question.
- James Lalor: He is an Irish Gaelic footballer known for playing at senior level for the Laois county team.
- Tom Lalor: He is an Australian rules footballer who played with Hawthorn in the Victorian Football League (VFL).
- Paddy Lalor: An Irish politician and sportsman. He served in the European Parliament and was elected as a representative for Laois-Offaly.
- Ella Lalor: An Australian netball player who was formerly a part of the club Collingwood Magpies Netball.
- Charlotte Lalor: Australian water polo athlete, competing at an international level.
- Gerard Lalor: Former Australian politician, serving in the Parliament of New South Wales.
- Pat Lalor: An Irish Labour Party politician and former TD for the Laois-Offaly constituency.
- Kaye Darveniza and Robyn Kum Too Lalor: Australian politicians, both having served in the Victoria Legislative Council.