Origin & Meaning of the Leith Surname
What does the last name Leith mean?
The surname Leith 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 2,448 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Leith ranks as the #12,642 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Leith come from?
The Leith 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 Leith name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Leith 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 | Leith |
|---|---|
| Meaning | The (article) |
| Origin | French |
| Language | French |
| US Rank (2010) | #12,642 |
| US Count (2010) | 2,448 |
| Per 100K People | 0.83 |
| First Letter | L |
Ethnic Distribution of Leith
According to the US Census, the Leith surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 2,448 Americans with the Leith last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 87.38% |
| Black | 3.31% |
| Hispanic | 2.53% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 1.1% |
| Native American | 3.19% |
| Two or More Races | 2.49% |
Popularity of Leith Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Leith surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Leith surname increased by 282 between 2000 and 2010.
Discover Your Leith Ancestry
Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Leith ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.
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The Complete Story of the Leith Family
What you’ve read above is just the overview. Your full Leith Heritage Report goes far deeper — and it’s yours to keep, print & share with your family.
- ✓ The true origin & meaning of Leith
- ✓ The Leith coat of arms & heraldry
- ✓ Migration journey across the world
- ✓ Where Leith families live today
- ✓ Notable Leith bearers in history
- ✓ Name variations & spellings worldwide
- ✓ A step-by-step guide to start tracing your own family tree
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Similar Surnames to Leith
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Leith.
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 Leith.
Frequently Asked Questions About Leith
Top Surnames Starting with L
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter L, ranked by population.
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