Surname Leitch - Meaning and Origin
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Leitch: What does the surname Leitch mean?
The surname Leitch is of Scottish origin, descending from the Gaelic "Mac an Fhleisteir" which translates to "son of the wright or carpenter." Over time, this was shortened to "Fhleisteir", and later anglicized to Leitch. So, the name predominantly refers to descendants of a family of skilled laborers or craftsmen, specifically those who worked with wood. Therefore, the surname Leitch generally implies a historical association with carpentry or woodworking. Like many surnames that originated from professions, it denotes the ancestral trade of the family. It's possible, however, that not all Leitch families were directly descended from carpenters, as it was common for people to adopt the surnames of their masters or employers.
Order DNA origin analysisLeitch: Where does the name Leitch come from?
The last name Leitch is of Scottish origin. It derives from either the Gaelic word "liteach," which means "wet," or "leac," meaning "flagstone". It could have been used to refer to someone who lived near a wet area or a burial ground with stone slabs. The surname can be traced back to the late 14th century in the Orkney Islands and Caithness in the far north of Scotland.
Today, the name is still common across Scotland, particularly in the historic county Ross-shire in the Scottish Highlands. Scottish emigration has also seen the spread of the surname around the world with relatively high incidence in English-speaking countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. However, it remains less common compared to other Scottish surnames.
Variations of the surname Leitch
The surname Leitch has several variants that are derived from the same origin. These variations in spelling and pronunciation can oftentimes be attributed to geographical differences, cultural influences, or misspellings over time.
Some of these variants include: Leach, Leech, Leachman, Letch, Leitchman, and Leich. The surname Leitch is believed to be either of Scottish or Norse-Viking origin. In Scotland, it's a patronymic surname derived from the personal name Lachlan, which, in turn, comes from the Gaelic name "Mac Lachlainn", meaning "son of Lachlan".
In Norse cultures, it is thought to have originated from the word “lækr”, meaning "brook" or "stream", referring profession-wise to someone who lived by a stream. In this case, other possible variations could include Lækjar, Lækur, or Lækara.
It’s also worth noting that regional clan affiliations in Scotland can influence surname spellings. For example, in some parts of the Scottish Highlands, "McLeish" might be used as a variant. Some Irish versions could be Laois or Laoiseach. However, always keep in mind that the specific origins of a surname can vary depending on individual family history.
Famous people with the name Leitch
- Emily Leitch: Actress known for TV series such as "Chilling Adventures of Sabrina," "The 100," and "The Magicians."
- Alastair Leitch: English former professional footballer who is now a football manager and analyst.
- Brian Leitch: Former MLB catcher who played with the Seattle Mariners and the San Francisco Giants.
- Allan Leitch: Former British professional rally driver who competed in the World Rally Championship.
- Gabriela Leitch: American TV presenter, who often appears as a guest or anchor on programs such as the Good Day LA show.
- Sue Leitch: Canadian politician who served in the Legislative Assembly of Ontario from 1995 to 1999.
- Katie Leitch: Scottish actress notable for her portrayal of the character Kirsty Miller on the BBC Scotland sitcom Still Game.
- Caroline Leitch: Australian fiddle player, currently residing in Tasmania who is well known for her Celtic, folk and country music.
- Mike Leitch: American actor and director, most noted for his lead role in the 1998 film Dead Man on Campus.
- Kelly Leitch: Canadian orthopedic surgeon and professor. She has served as a Senior Medical Officer in the Royal Canadian Navy since 2002.