What is the origin of the last name Locklear?

The last name Locklear originates from the Old English word "loc-cleare," meaning "swine pasture." It is derived from the combination of "loc" which translates to "enclosure" or "enclosed place" and "cleare" meaning "clear" or "open." This surname suggests a familial association with a location used for pig farming or a clearing designated for the rearing of swine. The Locklear surname can be traced back to medieval times, reflecting the agricultural practices prominent in England during that era.

Countries of origin for the last name Locklear

The last name LOCKLEAR is of Scottish origin. It is a locational surname, derived from a place name in Scotland. The name is composed of two elements: “lock,” which originally referred to a pooling or gathering of water, and “clear,” which means bright or transparent. Combining these elements, the name LOCKLEAR can be interpreted to mean a place where there is a bright or transparent gathering of water.

Locklear is a relatively uncommon surname, primarily found in the United States, particularly in the southeastern region. It has a concentrated presence in North Carolina, where the Lumbee tribe, an indigenous community, has a significant number of people with this surname. Locklear may also be found in smaller numbers in other states, such as South Carolina, Georgia, and Texas.

One explanation for the surname’s association with the Lumbee tribe is that many individuals with the name LOCKLEAR are descended from Lumbee ancestors. The Lumbee tribe has a complex genealogical history, with roots in Native American, European, and African heritage. Some researchers believe that individuals with the surname LOCKLEAR may have European ancestry, possibly connected to Scottish or Irish settlers who arrived in America in the colonial period.

Interestingly, the spelling of the last name LOCKLEAR can vary. It may also be spelled as LOCKLIER, LOCKLEY, or LOCKLIAR. These variations reflect different phonetic interpretations or regional accents influencing the spelling of the surname over time.

In summary, the last name LOCKLEAR has a Scottish origin and is associated with a place where there is a bright or transparent gathering of water. It is primarily found in the United States, particularly in North Carolina, where it has a notable presence among the Lumbee tribe. The surname may have connections to European settlers in the colonial period, and the spelling variations reflect regional accents and phonetic interpretations. The significance and meaning of the name LOCKLEAR continue to evoke intrigue and possibilities for further historical and genealogical research.

Interesting facts about the last name Locklear

  • The surname Locklear is of Scottish origin.
  • Locklear is derived from the Old Norse word “lokr,” which means “lock of hair” or “curl.”
  • The name Locklear is primarily found in the southeastern United States, particularly in North Carolina.
  • The Locklear surname is most commonly associated with the Lumbee Tribe, a Native American community located primarily in North Carolina.
  • Locklear is a relatively rare surname, with a small number of individuals bearing this name worldwide.
  • The Lumbee Tribe, with a significant number of members carrying the Locklear surname, has a rich cultural history and heritage.
  • Some famous individuals with the surname Locklear include Heather Locklear, an American actress, and Harley Jane Kozak, an American actress and author whose birth name is Susan Jane Kozak, but she changed her name to Harley Jane Locklear.

Name Rank

#1819

There are around 19716 people with the last name Locklear in the US

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