What is the origin ethnicity and or country of surname lamb?

The surname Lamb has several possible origins and is found in various countries around the world. Here's a breakdown:

1. English Origin:

* Meaning: This is the most common origin, deriving from the Old English word "lamb," meaning the young of a sheep. It could have been an occupational name for a shepherd or a descriptive name for someone who was gentle or meek.

* Distribution: This origin is prevalent in England, especially in the north and east.

2. French Origin:

* Meaning: It is also possible the surname originates from the French word "lame" (meaning "lame") and could have been a nickname for someone with a limp.

* Distribution: This origin is more common in France, but it's less common than the English origin.

3. Scottish Origin:

* Meaning: In some cases, the surname "Lamb" might be a variant of the Scottish Gaelic surname "Mac Lamb," meaning "son of Lamb."

* Distribution: This origin is less common than the English one but is found in Scotland.

4. Dutch Origin:

* Meaning: The surname "Lamb" may also originate from the Dutch word "lam," which also means "lamb."

* Distribution: This origin is most likely in the Netherlands.

5. Other Possible Origins:

* Place-Name Origin: In some instances, the surname "Lamb" could be derived from a place name associated with sheep or lambs.

* Patronymic Origin: It could be a patronymic surname, meaning it indicates a person's father's name. For example, "Lamb" could be a shortened form of "Lambson" or "Lambard."

Important Notes:

* Global Distribution: Due to migration and historical events, the surname "Lamb" is found in many countries outside its origins.

* Variations: There are many variations of the surname "Lamb," including Lambe, Lambkin, Lamkin, and Lambertson.

* Genealogical Research: To determine the specific origin of your family's "Lamb" surname, genealogical research is recommended. This may involve examining family history, tracing ancestry, and consulting genealogical databases.

In summary, the surname "Lamb" has multiple origins, making it difficult to pinpoint its exact origin without further research. The most common origin is English, but French, Scottish, and Dutch origins are also possible.