Origin & Meaning of the Leech Surname
What does the last name Leech mean?
The surname Leech 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 5,099 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Leech ranks as the #6,640 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Leech come from?
The Leech 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 Leech name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Leech 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 | Leech |
|---|---|
| Meaning | The (article) |
| Origin | French |
| Language | French |
| US Rank (2010) | #6,640 |
| US Count (2010) | 5,099 |
| Per 100K People | 1.73 |
| First Letter | L |
Ethnic Distribution of Leech
According to the US Census, the Leech surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 5,099 Americans with the Leech last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 91.8% |
| Black | 4.1% |
| Hispanic | 1.94% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.61% |
| Native American | 0.27% |
| Two or More Races | 1.27% |
Popularity of Leech Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Leech surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Leech surname increased by 154 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 Leech.
Frequently Asked Questions About Leech
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