First found in Wiltshire where they were anciently seated as Lords of the Manor. The Saxon influence of English history diminished after the Battle of Hastings in 1066. The language of the courts was French for the next three centuries and the Norman ambience prevailed. But Saxon surnames survived and the family name was first referenced in the 13th century when they held lands. Early instances of the name in England include one Robert Lapyn who is mentioned in the Feet of Fines for Kent in the year 1320.

Some of the first settlers of this family name or some of its variants were: Anthony Lapp, who is on record in Ontario in 1825. Most of the settlers bearing this name who came to North America are of German descent.

For more information on the last name Labs, the PDF Surname History is available for purchase as well as other products.