Lawless is a surname of Irish origin, meaning “without law” or “outlaw”. It was originally given as a nickname to those who were rebellious or nonconformist. The most famous bearer of this surname is probably the Irish revolutionary leader Michael Joseph Lawless, who fought for Irish independence in the early 20th century. Today, the surname Lawless can be found throughout the English-speaking world, and is often associated with a spirit of independence and nonconformity.