Surname Lewina - Meaning and Origin
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Lewina: What does the surname Lewina mean?
Lewina is a patronymic name, derived from the given name Lewis. The given name Lewis is of Old Germanic origin and means “greatest warrior”. Lewina is therefore a surname indicating a familial connection with the name Lewis.
The English version of the name Lewis has a long history, originating from the Middle Ages when it was introduced to Britain by followers of the Norman conquest. In the French language, the original old Norman form of Lewis is spelled Llewelyn. In the Middle Ages, many members of the nobility adopted the name Lewis as their surname, mostly as a symbol of strength and courage.
Since then, Lewina has been a common surname in Europe and North America. It is a variation of several existing surnames such as Lewis, Liver, Levy, and Lewison, among others. Overall, the name Lewina is a variation of the name Lewis, which means a “greatest warrior”, thus conveying a sense of strength and protection to those who might bear it as a surname.
Order DNA origin analysisLewina: Where does the name Lewina come from?
The last name Lewina is most commonly associated with people of Jewish descent from Eastern Europe. It's a fairly uncommon surname, however, and is not found among the top hundred surnames in any country. It may also be found among some families of African descent, as the name sones until the early 19th century in places like the Netherlands, Spain, and Portugal. Most recently, Lewina is common among residents of Israel, where many Ashkenazi Jews descended from the former Soviet Union migrate.
The name Lewina is of Hebrew origin and is derived from the word 'lev' which means heart. Historically the name Levina is associated with families of rabbinical heritage. It has been speculated that the name may also hold an Egyptian origin, stemming from Israel’s Ancient Egyptian enslavement.
The Lewina surname is especially prominent in the areas surrounding Lithuania. This name is also associated with prominent rabbinical families from various areas of Eastern Europe, including Gazenittl, Kfir, Mitzchen, Rudinsberg, and Schulmann families.
Outside of Europe, Lewina is most common among residents of North America, Australia, and Latin America, as individuals with an Eastern European Jewish background have migrated from their native countries as well as resettled after the Second World War and the Holocaust.
Overall, the Lewina surname is relatively rare and is most commonly found among people of Eastern European Jewish or African heritage.
Variations of the surname Lewina
The surname Lewina has several variants and spellings that can be traced to its same origins. The most common variants and spellings of Lewina are Lewin, Lewing, Lewins, Lewens, Lewyn, Lewyns, Lewings, Lewinsohn, and Lewinski.
Lewin or Lewing is likely the oldest and most prominent form of the surname. It originated in the German-speaking regions of Central Europe and ultimately derives from the given name ‘Leo’ or ‘Lion’. It was likely first adopted by people honoring a famous leader, or as a proud self-identification for being part of a noble family. Lewin and Lewing can be found across countries such as Germany, Holland, Austria, and Switzerland.
Lewins is another variant of the surname that likely originated in Germany or France. It is thought to have originated from the Old French term ‘louvet’, meaning ‘fox’, which was often applied to people who were considered sly or cunning.
Lewens is another variant of Lewina originating in Germany. It is thought to be derived from the German term ‘laufen’, which means‘ leap’ or ‘jump’, suggesting the possible specialization of those with the surname in terms of physical agility. Lewyns is thought to have derived from Lewen and likely originated in Germany or France.
Lewings is another spelling of Lewina that has its origin in England. It could have originated from the Middle English term ‘leuing’, meaning ‘beloved’.
Lewinsohn is a variant of Lewina found mainly in Jewish families and is thought to have originated in Germany or Austria. It likely derived from the term ‘Levi’ which means ‘attached’.
Lewinski is a Jewish variant of the surname that originated in Poland. It is likely derived from the term ‘Lev’, which means ‘heart’ or ‘inner being’.
In conclusion, the surname Lewina has many variants and spellings, all of which have their roots in different languages and countries. All of these variants honor the original bearer and his family, and can be easily traced to their same origins and heritage.
Famous people with the name Lewina
- Matthäus Lewin: a German sculptor active in the Renaissance and early Baroque period.
- Tadeusz Lewin (Löwine): a Polish-Moravian violist and composer.
- Franz Wilhelm Lewin: a German engraver and painter active in the late 17th and early 18th centuries.
- Jan Franciszek Lewin: a Polish nobleman and soldier who served in the First World War.
- Günther Lewin: a German biologist who co-developed the classic ABC and electrophysiology experiments.
- Richard Lewin: an American physicist and professor at Princeton University.
- Jean-Jacques Lewin: a French artist from the 19th century known for his historical genre paintings.
- Henri Lewin: a French statistician and political scientist.
- Phil Lewin: an American record producer who was influential in new wave, post-punk, and alternative rock.
- Salomon Lewin: a German-Jewish poet and dramatist.