Origin & Meaning of the Leff Surname
What does the last name Leff mean?
The surname Leff 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 2,161 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Leff ranks as the #13,959 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Leff come from?
The Leff 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 Leff name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Leff 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 | Leff |
|---|---|
| Meaning | The (article) |
| Origin | French |
| Language | French |
| US Rank (2010) | #13,959 |
| US Count (2010) | 2,161 |
| Per 100K People | 0.73 |
| First Letter | L |
Ethnic Distribution of Leff
According to the US Census, the Leff surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 2,161 Americans with the Leff last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 94.49% |
| Black | 0.74% |
| Hispanic | 2.92% |
| Two or More Races | 0.97% |
Popularity of Leff Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Leff surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Leff surname decreased by 57 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 Leff.
Frequently Asked Questions About Leff
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