Origin & Meaning of the Leist Surname
What does the last name Leist mean?
The surname Leist 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 2,382 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Leist ranks as the #12,904 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Leist come from?
The Leist 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 Leist name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Leist 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 | Leist |
|---|---|
| Meaning | The (article) |
| Origin | French |
| Language | French |
| US Rank (2010) | #12,904 |
| US Count (2010) | 2,382 |
| Per 100K People | 0.81 |
| First Letter | L |
Ethnic Distribution of Leist
According to the US Census, the Leist surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 2,382 Americans with the Leist last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 94.63% |
| Black | 0.34% |
| Hispanic | 1.81% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.8% |
| Native American | 0.97% |
| Two or More Races | 1.47% |
Popularity of Leist Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Leist surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Leist surname increased by 258 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 Leist.
Frequently Asked Questions About Leist
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