Show ContentsLorett Surname History

Etymology of Lorett

What does the name Lorett mean?

Lorett is a name of Anglo-Saxon origin and came from the baptismal name Lora. The surname Lorett referred to the son of Lora which belongs to the category of metronymic surnames. In Old English, patronyms and matronyms were formed by adding a variety of suffixes to personal names, which changed over time and from place to place. For example, after the Norman Conquest, sunu and sune, which meant son, were the most common patronymic suffixes.

The name may also be the "name of locality of origin (Loire and various hamlets, and named after Loreto, Italy ); can also be a matronyme of Loret."

Early Origins of the Lorett family

The surname Lorett was first found in Yorkshire where the first records of the name were as forenames: Lauretta Picot in 1185 and later Loretta in 1219. Later, Loreta de Motecombe was listed in the Subsidy Rolls 1332 Sussex in 1332. 1

Early History of the Lorett family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Lorett research. Another 136 words (10 lines of text) covering the years 1524 and 1674 are included under the topic Early Lorett History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Lorett Spelling Variations

Spelling variations in names were a common occurrence before English spelling was standardized a few hundred years ago. In the Middle Ages, even the literate spelled their names differently as the English language incorporated elements of French, Latin, and other European languages. Many variations of the name Lorett have been found, including Larrett, Larritt, Larret, Larrit, Laret, Larit, Laryot and many more.

Early Notables of the Lorett family

More information is included under the topic Early Lorett Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Lorett family

Families began migrating abroad in enormous numbers because of the political and religious discontent in England. Often faced with persecution and starvation in England, the possibilities of the New World attracted many English people. Although the ocean trips took many lives, those who did get to North America were instrumental in building the necessary groundwork for what would become for new powerful nations. Among the first immigrants of the name Lorett, or a variant listed above to cross the Atlantic and come to North America were : W. Larrett, who sailed to Virginia in 1653; J. Larrett, who arrived in Virginia in 1658; Robert Larrett, who came to Barbados in 1674; and Edmund Larrett, who arrived in America in 1743..



  1. Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)


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