Show ContentsLapidge History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Etymology of Lapidge

What does the name Lapidge mean?

The Lapidge surname was no doubt an occupational name for someone who worked as a "law-page. Probably an apparitor or summoner, a servant of the law." 1

Early Origins of the Lapidge family

The surname Lapidge was first found in Yorkshire, where Johannes Lawpage was listed in the Yorkshire Poll Tax Rrolls of 1379. 1 Christopher Lawpage was listed in Norfolk, but no date or location was given. 2

Early History of the Lapidge family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Lapidge research. Another 148 words (11 lines of text) covering the years 1379, 1568, 1778, 1787 and 1798 are included under the topic Early Lapidge History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Lapidge Spelling Variations

It is only in the last few hundred years that the English language has been standardized. For that reason, early Anglo-Saxon surnames like Lapidge are characterized by many spelling variations. As the English language changed and incorporated elements of other European languages, even literate people changed the spelling of their names. Scribes and monks in the Middle Ages spelled names they sounded, so it is common to find several variations that refer to a single person. The variations of the name Lapidge include: Lappage, Lapage, Lappadge, Lapidge, Lawpage, Lapish, Lepage and many more.

Early Notables of the Lapidge family

More information is included under the topic Early Lapidge Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Lapidge family

Many English families tired of political and religious strife left Britain for the new colonies in North America. Although the trip itself offered no relief - conditions on the ships were extremely cramped, and many travelers arrived diseased, starving, and destitute - these immigrants believed the opportunities that awaited them were worth the risks. Once in the colonies, many of the families did indeed prosper and, in turn, made significant contributions to the culture and economies of the growing colonies. An inquiry into the early roots of North American families has revealed a number of immigrants bearing the name Lapidge or a variant listed above: Edward Lappage, who arrived in Maryland in 1681; Andrew LePage, who arrived in Prince Edward Island in 1806; Frederick Lepage, who was recorded as the shipping agent for St. John'.



  1. Bardsley, C.W, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames: With Special American Instances. Wiltshire: Heraldry Today, 1901. Print. (ISBN 0-900455-44-6)
  2. Rye, Walter, A History of Norfolk. London: Elliot Stock, 62, Paternoster Row, 1885. Print


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