Surname Leithardt - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'L'
Leithardt: What does the surname Leithardt mean?
The last name Leithardt is of German origin, derived from the old Germanic lint meaning "light" and hard meaning "hard." Therefore, the name can be interpreted to mean "light hearted" or "joyful spirit." Alternatively, it may have been an occupational surname during medieval times and refer to someone who was a maker of lead lanterns.
Leithardt is a relatively uncommon name, originating from the Leipzig area of Germany and found in its many forms, the earliest records of the name date back to 1216. The Leithardt surname first began appearing in the United States during the late 19th century.
The Leithardt family name is associated with many people who have made significant contributions to society in areas such as politics, activism, writing, art, music, and much more. Family members have been well traveled, and represented in many different countries across the globe. They have served in the armed forces, and much like the family crest, their motto is “We Stand Firm”.
Leithardt family members are known for their courage, ambition, and strength in the face of adversity. They strive to make the world around them a better place, and put their heart and soul into whatever task they take on. Above all, the Leithardt family values a deep sense of tradition, loyalty, and values.
Order DNA origin analysisLeithardt: Where does the name Leithardt come from?
The last name Leithardt is commonly found throughout Western Europe, North America, Australia, and New Zealand. This surname is thought to have originated in Germany, likely derived from a locational name since it is derived from the German words ‘leuyth’ and ‘Herd’, translated to ‘meadow’ and ‘shepherd respectively. This name likely began as a descriptive term for a person who tended livestock in meadows.
The highest occurrences of the last name Leithardt within the United States are in the states of Pennsylvania, Ohio, Michigan, Illinois, and California. In Pennsylvania, the Leithardt family was among the earliest settlers in Allentown in the mid-1700s. The name is also found in Oregon, Texas, New York, and South Carolina.
Canada has one of the highest concentrations of the Leithardt surname, with a population of 4,771 individuals across the country. The top provinces with this surname are Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan. This name is also present in the United Kingdom, Ireland, France, Australia, and New Zealand.
The Leithardt family can also be found across South America, particularly in Argentina and Brazil. The last name is also common in Germany, with the largest population being in Düsseldorf.
Overall, the Leithardt name is widespread throughout Europe, North America, Australia, and New Zealand, with the highest concentrations of this surname throughout Pennsylvania, Ohio, Michigan, Illinois, and California in the United States, and Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan in Canada.
Variations of the surname Leithardt
The surname Leithardt is derived from an old Germanic personal name which meant ‘hard’, ‘steadfast’, or ‘tough’, and it can be spelled in several ways, including:
Leithardt
Lethardt
Leitardt
Litardt
Lethart
Leithard
Variants of this surname include:
Leatherd
Litherd
Liatherd
Leytherd
Leatherth
Leather
Leithead
Leathard
Leathers
Leatherwood
Leatherman
Leatherbarrow
These variant spellings and surnames are all derived from the same root of the original Leithardt surname. For example, Leatherd is derived from the Middle English personal name, Leodred or Leotherd, while Liatherd can be traced back to the Old German Leuthard. In addition, Leatherth is a variant spelling of Leithead, which in turn has its roots in the Old French laite, meaning ‘greedy’. Likewise, Leatherman is a variant spelling of Leatherwood, derived from the surname, Lotham, meaning ‘woodland’.
Apart from originating in Germany, the Leithardt surname has spread across Europe, introducing variants from other countries and languages. For example, in Scotland, the spelling has been changed to Lethart and Leithard, and in France, to L'Eithardt or L'Eyxardt.
Thus, while the Leithardt surname has seen several variants and surnames over the years, and numerous branches of the family have sprung up, all of these spellings, variants, and surnames are ultimately descended from the same root: Leithardt.
Famous people with the name Leithardt
- Dallas Leithardt: Actor
- Ryan Leithardt: Football Player
- Peter Leithardt: Artist
- Jack Leithardt: Actor and former military pilot
- Gabriel Leithardt: Musician
- Ayda Leithardt: Actress
- Duke Leithardt: NFL Player
- Franc Leithardt, Jr.: Sports Commentator
- Dorothea Leithardt: Author
- Raymond Leithardt: Former Member of the Texas Senate