Origin & Meaning of the Lea Surname
What does the last name Lea mean?
The surname Lea carries the meaning "The (article)." It is derived from the French language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 9,180 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Lea ranks as the #3,863 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Lea come from?
The Lea surname has its roots in French heritage. Names of French origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the Lea name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Lea trace back to French. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.
Quick Facts
| Surname | Lea |
|---|---|
| Meaning | The (article) |
| Origin | French |
| Language | French |
| US Rank (2010) | #3,863 |
| US Count (2010) | 9,180 |
| Per 100K People | 3.11 |
| First Letter | L |
Ethnic Distribution of Lea
According to the US Census, the Lea surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 9,180 Americans with the Lea last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 72.43% |
| Black | 16.38% |
| Hispanic | 3.28% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 4.65% |
| Native American | 0.93% |
| Two or More Races | 2.33% |
Popularity of Lea Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Lea surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Lea surname decreased by 417 between 2000 and 2010.
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Similar Surnames to Lea
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Other French Surnames
Explore more surnames with French roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same French origin as Lea.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lea
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