Lessing is a German surname of Slavic origin.
The original Sorbian form, Lěsnik, means either "forest dweller" or "woodman", lěs meaning "wood forest".
[1] People with the surname Lessing include a German family of writers, artists, musicians and politicians who can be traced back to a Michil Lessigk, mentioned in 1518 as being a linen weaver in Jahnsdorf, near Chemnitz.
[2] The family includes: Lessing is also the surname of: