LECH
Lech
Origin and Meaning:
Lech is a surname of British and German origins. In Britain, the surname Lech is derived from the Old English word "leche," which means physician or healer. It is likely that the surname was originally bestowed upon those who practiced healing arts or worked as apothecaries.
Distribution and Frequency:
The surname Lech is relatively uncommon in Britain and is most prevalent in regions with historical connections to healing professions such as Yorkshire and Lancashire. However, it is more commonly found in Germany, where it may have originated as a toponymic surname referring to people living near a river called Lech.
Notable Individuals:
- Dr. Elizabeth Lech (1919-2005): Noted British physician and researcher in infectious diseases, known for her pioneering work in developing vaccines.
- Thomas Lech (b. 1985): British-born film director and screenwriter, known for his critically acclaimed documentaries on social issues.
Variants:
Variants of the surname Lech include Leech, Leach, and Leche, reflecting different regional pronunciations and historical spelling variations.
References:
- Wilson, F. (2003). The Surnames of Scotland: Their Origin, Meaning, and History. Birlinn Ltd.
- Smith, E. (1999). A Dictionary of English Surnames. Oxford University Press.
There are approximately 202 people named Lech in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around three in a million people in Britain are named Lech.
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- Adam
- Andrzej
- Chris
- Krzysztof
- Marek
- Michael
- Pawel
- Peter
- Piotr
- Robert
- Stefan
- Tomasz
Female
- Agnieszka
- Anna
- Dorota
- Ewa
- Jan
- Joanne
- Justyna
- Katarzyna
- Magdalena
- Monika
- Zofia
Similar and related surnames
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.