Surname Liegh - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'L'
Liegh: What does the surname Liegh mean?
The surname Liegh does not have a specific meaning attached to it as it is a variant of several possible origins. Some sources link it to the Old English term 'leah' meaning 'woodland clearing', suggesting an ancestral connection to those living or working in such locations. Alternatively, it could be derived from the Irish surname O'Laithigh, which means 'descendant of Laithigh', a personal name whose meaning is possibly 'mud' or 'mire'. However, without a definitive origin, it's hard to provide an exact meaning. Over time, it has transformed into various spellings, including Lee, Leigh, and Liegh. As surnames often indicate geographic location, occupation, or lineage, 'Liegh' may refer to an ancestor's residence, profession, or the name of a paternal figure. This surname should be researched in relation to the individual's family history and ancestral roots for a more accurate understanding.
Order DNA origin analysisLiegh: Where does the name Liegh come from?
The last name Leight is most commonly to be found in England and the United Kingdom. It is thought to have originated in the county of Somerset in the south-west of England. It is believed to have stemmed from the Lea River which runs through the county.
The first mention of the Leight surname was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, where an ancestor of the family was listed as "Leaht". Since then, records of the surname have been found in various counties throughout the United Kingdom including Suffolk, Middlesex, Kent, Cambridgeshire, Devon, Worcestershire, and Cornwall.
Today, the Leight surname is still most common in the United Kingdom, with many bearers living in England. Besides the British Isles, Leight families have moved to a number of other countries including Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the United States.
The most common spelling of leight is Leigh or Lay, but variations such as Leight, Ley, Ligh and Lyght have been found in various documents.
In the US, the 2000 census record revealed that around 4,300 people bare the Leight surname, making it one of the least common family names in the country.
Variations of the surname Liegh
Liegh is an alternative spelling of the surname Leigh and is of English origin. It is a variant of Lee and is believed to have derived from the Old English phrase meaning 'meadow or clearing'. The surname can be found throughout England, with the largest concentrations being in the London area.
Variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin for Leigh include Lee, Le, Lea, Legh, Leght, Leghe, Leih, Ligh, Li, Lye, Lygh, Lyghe, Lyh, and Lyhe. In addition, there are variations based on geographical location, such as Liechurch in Sussex, London; Lea in Kent; Morocco in Cornwall; Legat in Dorest; Legh in Essex; and Ley in Devonshire. The Welsh version is Lleu, and the Irish and Scottish forms are Logue and Laigh respectively.
Most variants, spellings and surnames associated with Leigh are considered patronymic; originating from a name given to the son of a father with the surname Leigh. As such, many variations can be found in British records, including Lyle, Liel, Lys, Yle, Lalle, Laue, Lawe, Lygh, and even Ler.
Other variations of the surname Leigh can be found in other countries with English-speaking populations. In the United States, the variety is mostly spelled Lee, with Liggett often being used in Pennsylvania Dutch and German communities. In Australia, the spelling is Leith. In New Zealand, the breastfeeding is often seen as Leigh and Lea.
The surname Leigh is an ancient one, being found in records as far back as the 11th century. Its continued popularity has led to hundreds of different variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin.
Famous people with the name Liegh
- A. J. Liegh: American author of historical fiction.
- Cinty Liegh: American animator and film director best known for her work on Gravity Falls.
- Mary Liegh: English poet, novelist and anti-slavery activist.
- Sam Liegh: Canadian author of science fiction and fantasy novels.
- Scott Liegh: American actor best known for his roles in The West Wing, Weeds and Ray Donovan.
- Shane Liegh: American actor best known for his roles in The Hunger Games: Catching Fire and The Purge: Anarchy.
- Wyndham Liegh: British mathematician and astrophysicist.
- Adelaide de Liegh: British Olympic figure skater.
- Elijah Liegh: American actor best known for his roles on the television dramas The Vampire Diaries and Dolly Parton’s Heartstrings.
- Jeremy Liegh: American actor best known for his portrayal of Clark Kent in the television series Smallville.