Origin & Meaning of the Lees Surname
What does the last name Lees mean?
The surname Lees carries the meaning "Son of Lees." It is derived from the Spanish language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 5,502 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Lees ranks as the #6,214 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Lees come from?
The Lees surname has its roots in Spanish/Portuguese heritage. Names of Spanish/Portuguese 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 Lees name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Lees trace back to Spanish. 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 | Lees |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Son of Lees |
| Origin | Spanish/Portuguese |
| Language | Spanish |
| US Rank (2010) | #6,214 |
| US Count (2010) | 5,502 |
| Per 100K People | 1.87 |
| First Letter | L |
Ethnic Distribution of Lees
According to the US Census, the Lees surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 5,502 Americans with the Lees last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 94.77% |
| Black | 0.65% |
| Hispanic | 2.24% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.75% |
| Native American | 0.75% |
| Two or More Races | 0.85% |
Popularity of Lees Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Lees surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Lees surname increased by 1 between 2000 and 2010.
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Other Spanish/Portuguese Surnames
Explore more surnames with Spanish/Portuguese roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same Spanish/Portuguese origin as Lees.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lees
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