Lyon Name Origin, Meaning and Family History

Lyon Name Meaning: Thought to have derived from the Latin word 'leo' meaning lion. May have also originated from the town in France of the same name.

A surname which is thought to have been made most popular after the Norman Conquest. May have been given to someone who lived in the town of 'Lyons' in France or a nickname for someone 'brave' or that had similar qualities to a lion.

Discover how your Lyon ancestors earned their living and spread across the country. Find out more about your family history by using the Free Search box.

Surname Distribution

Census frequency by county

Name Concentrations Within England and Wales

Lyon Surname Statistics


Top Professions for the Lyon family

Profession Census Frequency
Scholar 607
Agricultural Labourer 72
Labourer 70
Domestic Servant 35
General Servant 32
Dress Maker 30
Annuitant 28
Coal Miner 27
Farm Servant 21
Laundress 21
Farm Labourer 18
House Keeper 16
Baker 14
Grocer 13
Cotton Weaver 12
Watch Maker 12
Assistant 11
Tailor 11
Clerk 10
Joiner 10
Collier 10
Butcher 9
Housekeeper 9
Nurse 8
Servant 8

Lyon Surname Variants Ranking

Rank Surname Match Census Frequency
1 Lyon 100% 31,931
2 Lyne 50% 10,366
3 Lion 75% 1,602
4 Layne 40% 1,210
5 Lyan 75% 467
6 Loyn 50% 218
7 Lyone 80% 200
8 Loyne 40% 187
9 Loyan 60% 158
10 Layn 50% 146
11 Lyn 75% 109
12 Layen 60% 102

Did you know?

The surname Lyon is the most popular version of all its varients

Search for the Lyon family