Lyons Name Origin, Meaning and Family History

Lyons Name Meaning: Thought to have originated from the Latin word 'Leo' (meaning lion). May have also derived from the place in France which is taken from the personal name 'Lug' meaning 'brightness'.

Introduced after the Norman Conquest, may have been a name taken from the place name Lyons in France. Also could have been a nickname for someone brave from the Latin word 'Leo' (meaning lion).

Discover how your Lyons ancestors earned their living and spread across the country. Find out more about your family history by using the Free Search box.

Surname Distribution

Census frequency by county

Name Concentrations Within England and Wales

Lyons Surname Statistics


Top Professions for the Lyons family

Profession Census Frequency
Labourer 71
Independent 44
Female Servant 30
Agricultural Labourer 17
General Dealer 14
Shoe Maker 13
Tailor 12
Male Servant 11
Carpenter 11
Hawker 10
Soldier 8
Soldier Child 7
Sawyer 7
Servant 7
Pauper 6
Mariner 6
Porter 6
Apprentice 6
Laborer 6
Clerk 5
Cotton Tenter 5
Stone Mason 5
Dealer 5
Furrier 5
Pupil 5

Lyons Surname Variants Ranking

Rank Surname Match Census Frequency
1 Lyons 100% 36,939
2 Lynes 60% 6,315
3 Loynes 50% 2,476
4 Lynas 60% 1,128
5 Lions 80% 797
6 Lyns 80% 736
7 Loyns 60% 401
8 Lyans 80% 307
9 Laynes 50% 237
10 Lyones 83% 158
11 Lyens 80% 129

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The surname Lyons is the most popular version of all its varients

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