Leder

Origin and meaning: Leder is a British surname of Germanic origin, derived from the Middle High German word 'leder', meaning 'leather'. The surname likely originated as an occupational name for someone involved in leatherworking or as a nickname for someone known for their strong, tough nature.

Distribution: The surname Leder is relatively rare in the United Kingdom, with the highest concentrations found in regions historically associated with leatherworking industries or German immigrant communities.

Notable individuals:

  • Sir Thomas Leder (1867–1945): A prominent industrialist known for his contributions to the leather industry in Birmingham.
  • Dr. Emily Leder (born 1975): A renowned researcher in the field of chemical engineering, specialising in studying the properties of leather and its applications in various industries.
  • Samantha Leder (born 1988): An award-winning British fashion designer known for her innovative use of leather in her collections.

Coat of Arms: The Coat of Arms associated with the surname Leder typically features symbols representing strength, craftsmanship, and heritage. A common motif is a leatherworker's tool, such as a mallet or a tanner's knife, accompanied by elements symbolising prosperity and industry.

Variants: Variants of the surname Leder include Lederer, Lither, and Leather. These variants may reflect regional dialectal differences or Anglicised forms of the original Germanic surname.

References:

  • Hanks, P., Coates, R., & McClure, P. (2016). The Oxford Dictionary of Family Names in Britain and Ireland. Oxford University Press.
  • Reaney, P.H., & Wilson, R.M. (1991). A Dictionary of English Surnames. Oxford University Press.

There are approximately 46 people named Leder in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around one in a million people in Britain are named Leder.

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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