Surname Locklear - Meaning and Origin

Unlocking History: iGENEA DNA Test Reveals Unexpected Scots-Irish Link in the Locklear Lineage

Having recently undertaken the iGENEA DNA test, the findings shed intriguing light on my surname - Locklear, overturning some family assumptions and illustrating how far science can reach into our histories. The test offers a powerful lens into my lineage and ancestry, tracing back centuries, revealing the multicultural blend interwoven in the Locklear DNA, including an unexpected Scots-Irish connection. These findings echoed within my DNA are the storied tales of migrations, assimilations and richly diverse cultural identities.

U. Locklear

Locklear: What does the surname Locklear mean?

The surname Locklear is believed to have its origins in Scotland, although it is also prevalent in the southeastern United States, most notably in the Lumbee tribe of North Carolina. The name can be divided into two segments: 'Lock' and 'Lear'. 'Lock' could refer to a body of water, such as a lake or a bay, or it could be related to locks in hair or locks as in a mechanism. 'Lear' could be derived from an old English word meaning "low" or "inferior". However, the specific meaning of "Locklear" as a whole is largely uncertain due to discrepancies in historical linguistics and folk etymology. Like many surnames, it is likely to be geographical, occupational, or even descriptive in nature, possibly related to an ancestor's profession, characteristic, or place of residence. However, without precise historical text, it's challenging to provide an exact definition. Today, it's most recognized as the surname of the popular actress Heather Locklear.

Locklear: Where does the name Locklear come from?

The surname Locklear is believed to have Anglo-Saxon origins, originating from Britain. It is derived from the Celtic term, “Llwyd”, which means “grey” and the Anglo-Saxon word “Clere”, which translates to “clerk”. It was initially used to denote a clerk or scholar with grey hair. The surname has evolved into different forms over time, one of them being Locklear. Despite its English origins, the name Locklear is particularly common in the United States today. This may be attributed to British migration during the colonial period. It is, in fact, among the most common last names in the Lumbee tribe of North Carolina, USA. Lumbee tribe members are believed to be descendants of several southeastern tribes and a number of European and African Americans. It's worth mentioning the actress Heather Locklear, who has popularized the surname in contemporary popular culture. Thus, while the Locklear surname has Anglo-Saxon roots, it finds its most significant presence in the United States today.

Variations of the surname Locklear

The surname Locklear is primarily of Scottish origin, and has several spelling and pronunciation variants. This surname is believed to have originated from the Gaelic name McLochlain, which was later anglicized. Variants and alternate spellings include Lockelear, Lockeley, Lockley, Lockhart, Lockier, and Lochlear.

While all these variants refer to the same family lineage, regional accents, illiteracy, or the desire to have a distinctive identity has led to the development of these variations over time. Surnames of the same origin include Scottish surnames such as McLauchlan, McLauchlin, McLaughlin, Lochlan and Lachlan, which are all derived from the Gaelic "Mac Lochlainn."

It's important to note that depending on locality and over the course of many generations, these variations have likely formed their own branches within the larger Locklear family tree. Thus, individuals with these surnames may not always be directly related to each other.

Surnames were historically given based on a person's occupation, geographical location, or character traits. Thus, other surnames with unrelated origins may share spellings or sounds.

The Locklear surname is popular in the United States, believed to have been carried over by Scottish immigrants, and is particularly prevalent among the Lumbee Native American tribe of North Carolina.

Famous people with the name Locklear

• Heather Locklear: Heather Locklear is an American actress, best known for her roles in Spin City and TJ Hooker. She has also appeared on LA Law, Melrose Place and a variety of other television shows.
• Tiffani-Amber Thiessen: Tiffani-Amber Thiessen is an American actress and TV host, best known for her roles in Saved by the Bell and Beverly Hills 90210. She also starred in Fastlane, White Collar and What About Brian as well as many other TV shows.
• Aaron Locklear: Aaron Locklear is an American actor, best known for his roles in HBO's Entourage and the movie Second Chances. He also starred in The Spectacular Now, Glory Daze, Arrow and many other television shows.
• Julianne Hough: Julianne Hough is an American singer, dancer, and actress. She is best known for competing on Dancing with the Stars and for her roles in the movies Footloose, Rock of Ages and Safe Haven among many others.
• Dan Locklear: Dan Locklear is a film director, producer, and screenwriter. He is best known for his films The Crow: Salvation, Stomping Ground, and Fragile as well as the television movie Shadow of Doubt.

Other surnames

LöckleLockleeLockleerLockley

Comments or additions to the name "Locklear"

31.12.2023
Sean Locklear was an NFL offensive lineman.