Origin & Meaning of the Leary Surname
What does the last name Leary mean?
The surname Leary 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 15,505 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Leary ranks as the #2,351 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Leary come from?
The Leary 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 Leary name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Leary 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 | Leary |
|---|---|
| Meaning | The (article) |
| Origin | French |
| Language | French |
| US Rank (2010) | #2,351 |
| US Count (2010) | 15,505 |
| Per 100K People | 5.26 |
| First Letter | L |
Ethnic Distribution of Leary
According to the US Census, the Leary surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 15,505 Americans with the Leary last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 80.79% |
| Black | 14.58% |
| Hispanic | 2.07% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.84% |
| Native American | 0.16% |
| Two or More Races | 1.56% |
Popularity of Leary Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Leary surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Leary surname increased by 378 between 2000 and 2010.
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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 Leary.
Frequently Asked Questions About Leary
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