LEEK

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

Leek

Leek is a British surname with its origins in the county of Staffordshire. The name is derived from the Old English word "leac," which means "vegetable" or specifically "leek," a type of onion-like plant.

The Leek family is known to have resided in the area around the market town of Leek in Staffordshire, possibly adopting the surname as a locational identifier. The town of Leek itself is historically significant as a centre for silk weaving and as a hub for the textile industry during the Industrial Revolution.

The Leek surname has been recorded in various forms over the centuries, including variations like Leake and Leekes. It is believed that the Leek family, like many other English surnames, has branched out and spread to other regions of the country over time.

Notable individuals bearing the surname Leek include figures from various fields such as politics, literature, and the arts. The Leek family name continues to be passed down through generations, contributing to the rich tapestry of British surnames.

There are approximately 2,705 people named Leek in the UK. That makes it roughly the 3,300th most common surname in Britain. Around 42 in a million people in Britain are named Leek.

Surname type: Location or geographical feature

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
Matthew
Michael
Peter
Richard
Robert
Steven

Female

Debbie
Elizabeth
Emma
Helen
Hilary
Jane
Joanne
Julie
Karen
Margaret
Rebecca
Samantha
Susan

Similar and related surnames

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