Origin & Meaning of the Leach Surname
What does the last name Leach mean?
The surname Leach 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 44,581 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Leach ranks as the #772 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Leach come from?
The Leach 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 Leach name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Leach 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 | Leach |
|---|---|
| Meaning | The (article) |
| Origin | French |
| Language | French |
| US Rank (2010) | #772 |
| US Count (2010) | 44,581 |
| Per 100K People | 15.11 |
| First Letter | L |
Ethnic Distribution of Leach
According to the US Census, the Leach surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 44,581 Americans with the Leach last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 80.28% |
| Black | 13.84% |
| Hispanic | 2.42% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.58% |
| Native American | 0.88% |
| Two or More Races | 1.99% |
Popularity of Leach Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Leach surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Leach surname increased by 915 between 2000 and 2010.
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Similar Surnames to Leach
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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 Leach.
Frequently Asked Questions About Leach
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