Leaning

Leaning is an English surname that has its origins in the country of England. The name is of Anglo-Saxon descent, deriving from the Olde English pre-7th Century word "hlane," meaning a lane or path. The surname Leaning is classified as a topographic name, referring to someone who resided by a lane or a narrow passageway.

Origins:

The Leaning surname is believed to have originated in the East Anglia region of England, where the name was more commonly found. Over time, individuals with the surname Leaning migrated to other parts of England and beyond, leading to its spread to different regions.

Variations:

Variants of the Leaning surname include Lane, Laine, Layne, and Leyne, reflecting variations in spelling and pronunciation over the centuries.

Notable Individuals:

  • David Leaning (1918–2001): A British botanist known for his research in plant physiology.
  • Helen Leaning (b. 1985): A British author famous for her works in historical fiction.

Heraldic:

The Leaning family crest typically features symbols associated with travel and exploration, reflecting the name's origin as a topographic identifier.

Distribution:

The surname Leaning can still be found predominantly in England, particularly in the region of East Anglia, where it has historically been most prevalent. However, due to emigration and migration, individuals with the surname can be found in other English-speaking countries as well.

References:

  • Hanks, Patrick, editor. The Oxford Dictionary of Family Names in Britain and Ireland. Oxford University Press, 2016.
  • Reaney, P.H., and Wilson, R.M., A Dictionary of English Surnames, Oxford University Press, 1991.

There are approximately 1,047 people named Leaning in the UK. That makes it roughly the 7,113th most common surname in Britain. Around 16 in a million people in Britain are named Leaning.

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Christopher
  • Clifford
  • Daniel
  • David
  • John
  • Mark
  • Michael
  • Paul
  • Richard
  • Rob
  • Robert
  • Steve
  • Wayne
  • William

Female

  • Angela
  • Dawn
  • Emma
  • Jane
  • Jennifer
  • Karen
  • Margaret
  • Samantha
  • Sarah
  • Susan
  • Victoria

Similar and related surnames

Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.

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