Lerner (/ˈlɜː(r)nə/ LUR-nə) is a German surname, a variant of Larner.
Originating from southern Germany, it may be either a habitational name for someone from Lern, near the Bavarian town of Freising, or a nickname from Middle High German lerner, meaning "pupil" or "schoolboy".
It can also be a Ashkenazic Jewish occupational name, from Yiddish lerner, meaning "Talmudic student or scholar".
[1] In England, the name is recorded from the 13th century, first found in London where they held a family seat as lords of the manor.
[2] Notable people with the surname Lerner include: