Surname Lockhart - Meaning and Origin

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X. Lockhart

Lockhart: What does the surname Lockhart mean?

The surname Lockhart is of Scottish origin and is believed to have been derived from a place in Lanarkshire, Scotland. The name is considered to be a habitational name taken from the name of this region. The term “Lockhart” directly translates to “lock hard,” but its more accepted meaning refers to "fortress" or "enclosed place." It is believed to have been initially bestowed as a nickname symbolizing strength or fortitude, more specifically denoting someone who is believed to hold fast or stand firm in battle. It started being used as a family name in Scotland around the 12th century. Some of the notable people with this last name include Scottish novelist George Lockhart and American actress June Lockhart. However, meanings of surnames can vary based on geographical location and historical context. It is always best to refer to specific genealogical research to understand the exact significance of the surname within a given context.

Lockhart: Where does the name Lockhart come from?

The surname Lockhart is of Scottish origin and is believed to come from an ancient place name. The name is derived from the Old English words "loc" (a lock of a door) and "heorot" (hart or stag), suggesting that its bearers originally lived near a deer enclosure or may have worked as a keeper of such a place.

One of the earliest records of the Lockhart name is found in Lanarkshire, Scotland during the 12th century, from where it spread across Scotland, England and later to other English-speaking countries through migration. The Lockharts typically belonged to a Scottish clan that played a significant role in Scotland’s history.

Today, the surname Lockhart remains most common in Scotland, England, and Northern Ireland. Due to historic emigration patterns, the name is also notably prevalent in the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

Variations of the surname Lockhart

The surname Lockhart has Scottish origins and can be traced back to the 12th century. It has a number of spelling variations and surname kin that share a similar ancestry which include, but are not limited to, Lockard, Locker, Lockert, Lockarde, Lockhard, Lakart, Lockart, Lokart and Lokhart. It evolved from the place name, Locard which is derived from the Old English element ‘loc’ meaning enclosure or stronghold and ‘ard’ or ‘arde’ meaning height, site, or hill. The name can also be transformed into various shortened and affectionate forms such as Lockett, Locky, Lockie and Locke.

Though the potential variations are plentiful thanks to regional dialects and phonetic spelling, the Lockhart spelling became the most commonly used version. In some cases the name may have been adopted by people who lived near distinct physical features such as a lock or a hart, making it a topographic surname as well. Additionally, these surnames may have also been influenced by local migration, hence they could be found in other parts of the world including England, Ireland and even France.

Remember, the spelling of surnames were not standardized until the introduction of dictionaries, so many variants of the same name originate from one source.

Famous people with the name Lockhart

• Lisa Lockhart: Professional female rodeo athlete and 8 time world champion, often referred to as the ‘Queen of the Barrels’.
• John Lockhart: Editor of New York age newspaper and executive director for US Chamber of Commerce.
• Kevin Lockhart: Three time world champion racing sailor and Olympic medalist.
• Joe Lockhart: White House Press Secretary under President Bill Clinton.
• Douglas Lockhart: Former Australian rules footballer who is a four time premiership player.
• Mary Lockhart: Scottish botanical artist and writer.
• Malcolm Lockhart: British politician and Member of Parliament in East Kilbride.
• James Lockhart: Bartender, restaurateur, and owner of Lockhart Catering LLC.
• Martin Lockhart: Professional British golfer and winner of the South African PGA Championship in 2000.
• Laura Lockhart: British singer and leader of the folk-rock band “The Curls.”

Other surnames

Lockhausen