Surname Levan - Meaning and Origin
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Levan: What does the surname Levan mean?
The surname Levan has roots in different countries and cultures, carrying various meanings. In French, it's believed to derive from the word "levant," meaning rising, indicating someone who lives to the east. In Breton, it's a topographic name for someone living near a marshy area, deriving from the term 'Lavan'. In Georgian tradition, "Levan" is the equivalent of Leon or Lion. As many surnames originated from occupation, Levan could also be an anglicized form of the Celtic name O'Leathan, for a medical man or physician. Furthermore, it might be a Dutch and Limburgish variant of the name Levin. In Jewish heritage, it could be an Americanized version of the Jewish surname "Levitan." So, the meaning of "Levan" could differ significantly depending on the lineage and cultures it is associated with. It is most essentially understood as carrying connections with the east, a lion, a marshy area, or a medical profession.
Order DNA origin analysisLevan: Where does the name Levan come from?
The surname Levan is of French origin, derived from the Old French personal name Levin, which is itself from the Latin name Levinus. Levinus was a derivative of "Levinius," a name that possibly originated from "Levi," one of the twelve tribes of Israel. So, it may also have Jewish roots.
Another explanation links the name Levan to a Celtic origin, especially if it is traced back to Cornwall in the United Kingdom. Levan comes from the Cornish term for "elm tree." There is even a village in Cornwall called St Levan, which might have lent its name to some individuals.
Today, the surname Levan can be found in many parts of the world, primarily in the United States and France. It also has a good representation in Georgia. Depending on the region, the pronunciation and spelling might slightly vary. Additionally, although it is less common, the surname can be found in the UK, and presumably in other English-speaking countries as well.
Variations of the surname Levan
The surname Levan has roots in different languages and regions, and thus has numerous variant spellings. It is derived from the Hebrew name Lev, which means "heart" or "lion". In French, the name has variations such as Levanne or Leven.
A common variant is Levin, which is common among Jewish and Eastern European populations. Other variants including Levine and Levon, often used in English-speaking or Russian-speaking countries respectively. Some other alternate spellings are Leavon, Levand, Levon, Levane, and Liven.
As for surnames of similar origins, there are many related to the word "Lev" or "Lion". For instance, we have Levy, Leo, Leon, and Leonard.
The surname can also have Welsh or Cornish origins, linked with the name "Llyfn" meaning smooth or glutinous. Variations of this include Lavan, Laven, and Lavon.
It's important to note, however, that surnames can have numerous etymologies, and the same name could have appeared independently in different cultures, so the relationships and origins can vary.
Famous people with the name Levan
- Rebecca Levan: professional singer and songwriter based in Los Angeles.
- Michael Levan: 3-time world champion Formula One driver from Greece.
- Erika Levan: 2020 US Open champion and professional tennis player.
- Allen Levan: retired professional basketball player and former head coach for the St. Paul Athletics of the National Basketball League.
- Jane Levan: actress and author known for her roles in films such as The Man From Snowy River and The Silver Brumby.
- Ryland Levan: actor known for his roles in shows such as “Blackish”, “The Boss Baby”, and “Victor and Valentino”.
- Larry Levan: legendary and influential DJ best known for his time as the house musician for the Paradise Garage nightclub in New York City.
- Henry Levan: retired aircraft maintenance engineer and noted test pilot.
- Henley Levan: philosopher and social activist known for his work on issues such as women’s rights, criminal justice reform, and environmentalism.
- Julius Levan: retired Major League Baseball player and current hitting coach for the New York Mets.