Surname Lett - Meaning and Origin

Lett: What does the surname Lett mean?

The surname Lett is of Anglo-Saxon origin, derived from the Old English word "hlyt" which means "a lot" or "a share." It was likely used as a nickname for a person who was involved in the drawing or allocation of lots, which was a common method used to settle disputes or divide inheritances in medieval times. It could also have referred to a person who was considered lucky or fortunate, also related to the idea of drawing lots. Like many surnames, over time and generations, the spelling of the name may have changed or evolved leading to different variations. It is also believed to may have been a nickname describing someone's nature or temperament. Some families with this surname originated in England before spreading to other English-speaking countries. The name is also popular in Ireland. Despite its various potential origins and meanings, family names like Lett serve as a link to our past, connecting us to our ancestors and their lives.

Lett: Where does the name Lett come from?

The surname Lett is believed to have originated from England during the medieval period. The name is derived from an old English pre-7th-century personal name "Leofget", with "Leof" meaning ‘dear or beloved’, and "get" being a euphemistic term for ‘geat’, a medieval warrior. This surname may also have been a shortened version of names like "Lettice" or "Letitia". Alternatively, it might be a metonymic occupational name for a "lett", a person who hindered or delayed others.

Variations of this name include Let, Lete, Leate and others. Over time, the name spread to several other regions, including Scotland and Ireland, with different variations common in different regions. Today, the Lett surname is most prevalent in the United States, followed by England and Australia. Furthermore, there are also considerable numbers of people with the Lett last name in Canada and South Africa.

Variations of the surname Lett

The surname Lett is of Anglo-Saxon origin and can be traced back to Britain where it primarily emerged. Variations of the surname Lett can be found in several forms including Let, Lete, Letts, Lette and sometimes it may even be encountered as Leet or Leete.

The surname has also been seen in Ireland where it was used to anglicize the Gaelic name O'Laoidhigh. In this context, other spellings include Lettis, Letts and Letty. Variation of single and double "t" in the spelling was and is common.

Noticeably, Lett is also a surname in Estonia and Latvia, thus indicating it may have multi-origin roots. In Eastern Europe, the surname might showcase variations such as Letts, Letz or Lets, following regional trends of spelling and pronunciation.

As surnames evolved, they often were recorded as they sounded, leading to numerous variations in spelling, even within single documents. Therefore, one must remember that these variations could be far more extensive, especially when considering regional dialects, phonetics, and individual clerical interpretations.

Famous people with the name Lett

• Dee Dee Lett: an American film and television actress
• Timothy Lett: an American college basketball coach
• Colter Lett: a former professional American football player
• Chastity Dawn Lett: an American actress and director
• Jack R. Lett: a former American professional basketball player
• Vivien Leigh-Lett: an English actor and stage performer
• Brian Lett: an American former professional basketball player
• Pat Lett: a former American professional basketball player
• Conor Lett: an American professional ice hockey player
• DaMarcus Lett: an American former professional basketball player
• Sherrie Lett: an American voice actress in animated series
• Carlton Lett: an American former professional basketball player
• Ernest Lett: an American former professional baseball player
• David Lett: an American former professional tennis player
• Mac Lett: a Scottish professional football player
• Corey Lett: an American former professional football player
• Henry Lett: an American former professional football player
• Mitchell Lett: an American professional basketball player
• Red Lett: an American former professional baseball player
• Robert Lett: an American former professional football player

Other surnames

LetchLetcherLetenerLetfussLetfußLetherLethergillLethwaiteLetschLetsingerLettauLetteLettherLettonLeTynereLetzelter