Surname Lowy - Meaning and Origin
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Lowy: What does the surname Lowy mean?
The surname Lowy is of Jewish/Hebrew origin, and its root meaning is the singular noun “levi” which translates to “lion”. It is thought to be a family name derived from the German/Yiddish term for god, meaning a person or family important in the Jewish community.
The origins of Lowy stem from its ancient Hebrew name, which refers to the family’s high standing in the community. In the Bible, the Levites were a group of priests who served in the Temple of Jerusalem and were known for their wisdom and knowledge. This may have led to the Lowy family becoming a distinguished and respected household.
Today, Lowy is primarily a Jewish surname mainly found in German-speaking and English-speaking countries all over the world, including the United Kingdom, United States, Australia and Israel. The presence of the Lowy surname indicates links to the Jewish ancestry of the people that carry it.
The people who carry the last name Lowy are typically proud of their heritage — a testament to the pride in their ancestral roots. Even those who are not aware of their Jewish heritage or ancestry can take note of the fact that the surname means “lion” — a nod to the family’s ability to remain strong amidst adversity. Many Lowys possess a sense of unity, as well as the capability to stay true to one’s roots and values, no matter what the challenge may be.
Order DNA origin analysisLowy: Where does the name Lowy come from?
The last name Lowy is a common name in Jewish communities around the world today, especially in Europe, Israel, and the United States. The surname is an Ashkenazic variant of the Jewish surname Levy, which is one of the most common Jewish surnames. Lowy is used frequently in Central and Eastern European countries like Poland, Hungary, Romania, and areas of the former Soviet Union. In Israel it is often used as a given name as well.
Lowy also appears in the United States, particularly in large Jewish enclaves like New York and Los Angeles. Here, the name is often anglicized and spelled as “Lowy” or “Lowei”. It is also found in other parts of North America, including Canada and Mexico.
Lowy and Levy are often found in records of European Jews who migrated to the United States during the 19th and early 20th centuries. Often, the spelling was changed when the family arrived in the U.S., with Lowy and Levy becoming Lowei or Lovi.
Although the spelling often changes from country to country, Lowy is the most common surname that appears in Jewish families worldwide. The surname is believed to have originated in the Ukraine, but its modern-day usage is found in places all over the world.
Variations of the surname Lowy
The spelling and variants of the surname Lowy can vary depending on regional dialects and language spoken. Common variants of Lowy include Lowey, Lowie, Loway, Loey, Loi, Low, and Lowey. Lowy is a common surname in both Europe and central and southern Asia. In areas with a large Jewish population, Lowi is an alternative spelling.
Lowy is thought to have originated in the English, Irish, and Scottish-Gaelic languages. The name is thought to be derived from the Old English word for “low” or “humble”. The Gaelic origins of the name may refer to “law” or “lawman”. The Italian surname Lodi and the Greek surname Loui may also be variants of Lowy.
In Germany, Lowy may be spelled Lewy. In parts of eastern Europe, particularly Romania, and countries of the former Soviet Union, Lowy may also be spelled Lovy. Lovy or Lovy-Dan was likely a name applied to Jews who moved to Israel from Eastern Europe.
Lowy is the anglicized version of the Irish surname Ó Laoigh or Mac Laoigh, which translates to “descendant of Laoigh”. Laoigh was originally a personal name, derived from the Irish word laoch, meaning “warrior”.
Lowey, Loweay, Loey, and Loi are also variants of Lowy from England and Ireland. In Scotland, Lowey may also be spelled Lovie or Lowie.
Lowy is also common in India among the Jewish, Asian, and Middle Eastern communities. In addition to Lowy, Surnames associated with this lineage include Low, Loe, Lovy, and Lowy-Dan. Loe is the anglicized pronunciation of the Old Testament Hebrew word "lvy" (Lamed-Waw-Yud) which means “against” or “opponent”.
In conclusion, the Lowy surname (or any of its variants) is historically associated with the English, Irish, and Scottish-Gaelic languages. Variations of the surname are found in other parts of Europe, as well as in India, Israel, and other Middle Eastern countries.
Famous people with the name Lowy
- Frank Lowy:- An Australian-Israeli businessman. He has been ranked by Forbes as the second wealthiest man in Australia since 2008.
- Michael Lowy:- An internationally renowned French philosopher and professor emeritus at the École des Hautes Études en Sciences Sociales (School for Advanced Studies in the Social Sciences) in Paris.
- Marcel Löwy:- An Austrian born, American-Jewish painter and printmaker who is best known for his photosculptures.
- Michele Lowy:- An Italian academic, author, historian, linguist and lexicographer who has written extensively about the Italian Renaissance.
- David Lowy:- An Australian businessman, investor and philanthropist who is the deputy chairman of Westfield Corporation, which he co-founded with his father, Frank.
- Auguste Löwy:- An Austrian-Italian photographer who is known for his arresting portraits of Prince Eugenio di Savoia, as well as his photography of the Italian Riviera.
- Maurice Lowy:- An eminent French physician, scholar, and author. He was a major contributor to the advancement of science in his day.
- Louis Lowy:- An American mathematician, specializing in algebraic geometry and algebraic differential equations.
- Jack Lowy:- An American producer, musician, composer, and songwriter. He has produced film scores and songs for over twenty feature films throughout his career.
- Wolfgang Lowy:- An Austrian psychiatrist and psychoanalyst known for his work in the development of psychoanalytical and existential psychotherapy.