Lavater

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A surname of German origin, often associated with notable individuals in history
2. Referring to a family name that may have connections to various cultural or historical figures
3. A designation used in genealogical contexts, representing lineage and ancestry

Etymology: English took this family name straight from German with its spelling unchanged. It names a person's family rather than a thing, so it has no sense that has shifted over time.