Leitch

Origin and Meaning Leitch is a surname of Scottish origin, deriving from the Gaelic name "MacLeòid", meaning "son of Leòd". The name Leitch is commonly found in Scotland and parts of Northern Ireland.

History The Leitch surname has a long history in Scotland, with recorded instances dating back to medieval times. The Leitch clan was historically associated with the region of Argyll in western Scotland. The name spread to other parts of Scotland as the clan expanded and integrated into wider Scottish society.

Variants Variants of the Leitch surname include Leach and Leech, reflecting different anglicised spellings of the original Gaelic name.

Notable Bearers

  • Sir James Leitch, a prominent Victorian-era architect known for his work in London and Edinburgh.
  • Barbara Leitch, a renowned Scottish author and poet.
  • John Leitch, a well-known Scottish footballer who played for several clubs in the 20th century.

Modern Distribution The surname Leitch is still prevalent in Scotland and has also spread to other English-speaking countries, particularly in the former British colonies such as Australia, Canada, and the United States.

Coat of Arms The Leitch clan is associated with a distinctive coat of arms, typically featuring symbols such as a rampant lion, a heraldic crown, and other traditional Scottish motifs.

Legacy Through historical records, notable individuals, and cultural heritage, the surname Leitch has left a lasting legacy in the realms of architecture, literature, sports, and other fields, contributing to the diverse tapestry of British and Scottish surnames.

There are approximately 4,493 people named Leitch in the UK. That makes it roughly the 2,089th most common surname in Britain. Around 69 in a million people in Britain are named Leitch.

Origin: Celtic

Region of origin: British Isles

Country of origin: Scotland

Religion of origin: Christian

Language of origin: Gaelic

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Alan
  • Alexander
  • Andrew
  • David
  • Ian
  • James
  • John
  • Robert
  • Thomas
  • William

Female

  • Alison
  • Angela
  • Ann
  • Elizabeth
  • Jacqueline
  • Jean
  • Margaret
  • Mary
  • Michelle
  • Nicola
  • Sarah
  • Susan
  • Valerie

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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