Lease

Surname Origin: English
Meaning: Occupant of a leasehold property
Variant Forms: Leas, Leeds, Lees

Introduction
Lease is an English surname that originated from the occupation of an individual who held or resided in a leasehold property. The term "lease" refers to a contract granting possession of land, buildings, equipment, or any other form of property for a specified period in exchange for rent or some other form of compensation.

Surname Distribution
The surname Lease is most commonly found in England, particularly in regions where agricultural and landholding activities traditionally thrived. Over time, individuals bearing the surname Lease have migrated to other parts of the British Isles and beyond, resulting in a dispersed but established presence.

Notable Individuals

  • John Lease (1862–1940): A prominent landowner and philanthropist in Yorkshire, known for his contributions to agricultural development and local community initiatives.
  • Julia Lease (b. 1985): A contemporary artist from London whose work explores themes of property ownership and social class through mixed-media installations.

Surname Variants
The surname Lease may also be found in variant forms, including Leas, Leeds, and Lees. These variations often arose due to regional accents, dialects, or clerical errors in historical records.

Genealogical Research
Tracing the genealogy of individuals with the surname Lease can provide insights into land ownership patterns, agrarian traditions, and social structures prevalent in different eras of English history. Genealogists and family historians interested in exploring their roots may find valuable information through historical archives, census records, and parish registers.

There are approximately 23 people named Lease in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Fewer than one in a million people in Britain are named Lease.

Origin: English

Region of origin: British Isles

Country of origin: England

Religion of origin: Christian

Language of origin: English

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Andre
  • James
  • Robert

Female

  • Helen
  • Lisa

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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