Lees

Origin and Meaning: Lees is a common surname of British origin. The name derives from the Old English word "leah," meaning a clearing or meadow, indicating that the original bearer of the surname may have lived near or in a meadow. The name could also have been used to denote someone who lived in a forest clearing.

History: The Lees surname has a long history in England, dating back to medieval times. The name is most commonly found in the northern regions of England, particularly in Yorkshire and Lancashire. Over the centuries, families with the surname Lees have spread to other parts of the United Kingdom and beyond.

Notable Individuals:

  • John Lees (1947 - ): British musician and founding member of the band Barclay James Harvest.
  • Harold Lees (1905 - 1992): English cricketer who played for Lancashire and England.
  • Mary Eliza Lees (1853 - 1930): British suffragette and advocate for women's rights.

Variants: Variants of the Lees surname include Lee, Lea, and Leigh. These variations may have arisen due to phonetic changes or regional dialects.

Popularity: The surname Lees is moderately common in the United Kingdom, with a concentration of individuals bearing this surname in the North of England. The name has also been adopted by families in other English-speaking countries such as the United States, Canada, and Australia.

Coat of Arms: The Lees family may have their own unique coat of arms, which typically features symbols and colors associated with the family's history and achievements.

In conclusion, the surname Lees has a rich history in England and is associated with individuals from various walks of life. Today, individuals bearing the surname continue to celebrate their heritage and uphold the traditions associated with the name.

There are approximately 18,768 people named Lees in the UK. That makes it the 462nd most common surname in Britain. Around 288 in a million people in Britain are named Lees.

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
  • Mark
  • Michael
  • Richard
  • Robert
  • William

Female

  • Alison
  • Catherine
  • Christine
  • Elizabeth
  • Helen
  • Janet
  • Karen
  • Margaret
  • Mary
  • Rebecca
  • Sarah
  • Susan

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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