Summary
Surname LEW is of English origin. It is an occupational surname derived from the Middle English word 'leu', meaning a lion. The surname may have been originally given to someone who displayed characteristics associated with a lion, such as bravery or strength. Over time, the surname has spread to various English-speaking countries.There are
7410
Lews in the USALew is the
4775th
most common last name in the USAHistorical figures and celebrities called Lew
LewisCarroll
Author of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking-Glass.JohnLewis
Civil rights leader known for his role in the Selma to Montgomery marches.SinclairLewis
American novelist and playwright, recipient of the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1930.MeriwetherLewis
Explorer and leader of the Lewis and Clark Expedition.JerryLee
Rock and roll musician and pianist, known for hits such as 'Great Balls of Fire'.Lew Genealogy
Geographic DistributionThe surname Lew is found in multiple countries around the world, including the United States, China, Malaysia, Poland, and others.
VariationsThe surname Lew may have variations such as Liu, Loo, and Liew.
Migration and ImmigrationMigration and immigration of individuals with the surname Lew has occurred at different times and in various places. Some notable instances include Chinese immigration to the United States during the California Gold Rush era in the mid-19th century, Polish migration to the United States and other countries during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, as well as migration of individuals from Malaysia and other Southeast Asian countries to various destinations due to economic opportunities.