Origin & Meaning of the Leite Surname
What does the last name Leite mean?
The surname Leite 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 3,123 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Leite ranks as the #10,316 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Leite come from?
The Leite 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 Leite name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Leite 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 | Leite |
|---|---|
| Meaning | The (article) |
| Origin | French |
| Language | French |
| US Rank (2010) | #10,316 |
| US Count (2010) | 3,123 |
| Per 100K People | 1.06 |
| First Letter | L |
Ethnic Distribution of Leite
According to the US Census, the Leite surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 3,123 Americans with the Leite last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 83.48% |
| Black | 4.93% |
| Hispanic | 7.43% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 1.63% |
| Native American | 0.22% |
| Two or More Races | 2.31% |
Popularity of Leite Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Leite surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Leite surname increased by 808 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 Leite.
Frequently Asked Questions About Leite
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