LEATHER

Origin and etymology In historic texts In the 1881 census Distribution map

Leather

The surname "Leather" is of English origin, derived from the Middle English word "lether," which in turn comes from the Old English word "leðer," meaning leather or hide. The name likely originated as an occupational surname for someone who worked with leather, such as a tanner or leatherworker.

The first recorded instance of the surname Leather dates back to the 13th century in the county of Essex. Over time, the name spread throughout England, with concentrations in counties such as Yorkshire and Lancashire.

Variants of the surname Leather include Lether and Lither, reflecting different regional pronunciations and spellings over the centuries.

Famous individuals bearing the surname Leather include English footballer Tony Leather, who played for clubs such as Wigan Athletic and Reading in the 1970s and 1980s.

The surname Leather continues to be found in Britain and across the world, with descendants of the original bearers carrying on the family name.

There are approximately 2,729 people named Leather in the UK. That makes it roughly the 3,278th most common surname in Britain. Around 42 in a million people in Britain are named Leather.

Surname type: Occupational name

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

Andrew
Christopher
David
James
John
Michael
Paul
Peter
Robert
Thomas

Female

Adele
Catherine
Christine
Elizabeth
Helen
Joanne
Karen
Kathleen
Louise
Margaret
Mary
Sarah
Sheila
Susan

Similar and related surnames

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