The Love Family History

What Does the Love Surname Mean? Historical Origins Explained

The surname Love is of English origin, deriving from the Old English terms ‘lufu’ or ‘lufa,’ both of which convey the meaning of love or affection. Variants of the Love surname include Lufe and Luf, while the Dutch adaptations are represented as ‘de Love’ and ‘Delhove.’ The Love family has historical roots in the Suffolk region, located along England's eastern coastline. From there, the name expanded into adjacent areas such as Norfolk, Essex, and Kent, as well as into the city of London. It also appears in the southwestern counties of Hampshire and Somerset. To the north, the surname is found in Yorkshire and Lancashire. In Scotland, the Love name is predominantly located in the counties of Lanarkshire, Renfrewshire, and Ayrshire. In the United States, the Love surname is most frequently encountered in states such as Oklahoma, Georgia, Tennessee, North Carolina, Washington, California, New York, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Missouri, Mississippi, and Ohio. Noteworthy individuals bearing the Love surname include Stanley G. Love, a U. astronaut; Davis Milton Love, a professional golfer; Bessie Love, a silent film actress; Courtney Michelle Love, a musician; Kevin Love, a professional basketball player; Mike Love, a singer; Nick Love, a film writer and director; and George H. Love, an industrialist associated with Consolidation Coal Co.