Surname Ledwidge - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'L'
Ledwidge: What does the surname Ledwidge mean?
The last name Ledwidge is of Irish origin and indicates that the original bearer of the name was a descendant of someone who lived near a place called Ledwidge. The name is derived from the Irish Gaelic words “laith” meaning a half and “daid” meaning assembly. This suggests that the original bearer of the name was likely a member of an assembly of people in the area, such as a clan or larger tribal group.
The surname Ledwidge can be found in records from as early as the 16th century, when it’s recorded that a man, Patrick Ledwidge left Ireland and settled in the United States. Ledwidge is now relatively widespread throughout Ireland and can be found in both the Dublin and Cork regions.
Ledwidge is a variation of the name "Leddoghes" which originally derived from the Old Irish word "Lethduich" which means “Assembly of Half”. This term was used to describe a meeting or gathering of half of a family or clan. The name is commonly linked to the Native Irish Clan of O'Leddyghes, who were based in the area of present day County Wexford in Ireland.
Ledwidge can now also be found in other countries, such as the United States, Australia, New Zealand and elsewhere. Those with the surname Ledwidge are believed to be descended from Irish emigrants, who came to these areas in search of a better life.
Order DNA origin analysisLedwidge: Where does the name Ledwidge come from?
The last name Ledwidge is found mostly in the U.K. and can be traced back there. It became more popular in the 19th century and has been linked to the Irish surname of Ó Leitide. The surname began to spread when Irish immigrants moved to other countries, especially to parts of the U.K.
Ledwidge is now most common in the West Midlands of England, London, and Northeastern Ireland. In the early 2000s, more people with the surname Ledwidge could be found in the metropolitan area of Birmingham, England than anywhere else in the U.K.
The surname can also be found in the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Ledwidge seems to have become more popular in the US in the 1980s. Those with the surname in the US are likely descendants of Irish immigrants who left the U.K. for American shores in the late 1800s.
Ledwidge is also found in various countries in continental Europe and in parts of Asia, but in much smaller numbers. Overall, the last name is most common in the British Isles, Ireland, and the United States.
Variations of the surname Ledwidge
The surname Ledwidge has several variant spellings, surnames, and origins.
It is derived from an Old English term lodwic, meaning a transient lodging, and originally referred to a person who was travelling and carried their lodging with them.
The variants of the surname Ledwidge include Ledwich, Lodwick, Lodwidge, Ledwich, Ledwidge, Ledwick, Ledwicke and Ledwiche.
The surname Ledwidge is of English origin and is found mainly in England but can also be found in countries like Canada.
In Australia, the surnames Ledwidge, Ledwicke, Ledwic, Lodwaig, Ledwig, and Lodwick are all common in Victoria, New South Wales, South Australia, Western Australia, Northern Territory, and Tasmania.
In Scotland, Ledwidge is also common in areas like the Borders and North East.
In Ireland, Ledwidge is derived from the names O'Leidhigh, O'Liddy, O'Lidigh, O'Liddy, O'Ludi, and O'Ludwich or sometimes from the Gaelic Lugdach or the Old Norse names Hludwig, Ludvik, and Ludmann.
In Wales, the Welsh form of Ledwidge is Lodwrc or Llaiddach or Lluddog and Lluddig are other variants.
The German variant of Ledwidge is Ludwig and could be found in the Bavarian, Hesse, and Prussian regions. There are also versions found in East Prussia, Silesia, and Bohemia/ Moravia (Czech Republic).
In the United States, the surname Ledwidge has been found in states such as New York, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Illinois, and Ohio.
Overall, the surname Ledwidge has various variants and spellings, and is found across multiple countries with different origins and meanings.
Famous people with the name Ledwidge
- Lord Maurice Lionel de Barry Ledwidge (1900: 1937): Irish soldier and recipient of the Victoria Cross
- David Ledwidge (1923-2001): Irish recipient of the Victoria Cross
- Francis Ledwidge (1887-1917): Irish poet
- Margaret Ledwidge (1917-2005): British BBC television producer
- Paddy Ledwidge (1938-2008): Irish political activist
- Giselle Ledwidge (b.1982): Australian dancer and choreographer
- Michael Ledwidge (b. 1971): American author and screenwriter
- Stephen Ledwidge (1929-2014): Canadian politician and lawyer
- Bob Ledwidge (b. 1966): English rugby player
- Gary Ledwidge (b. 1966): English singer and songwriter