Surname Leithmann - Meaning and Origin
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Leithmann: What does the surname Leithmann mean?
The last name Leithmann originated in Germany. It is derived from the Middle High German words leite, meaning "guide" or "leader," and man, meaning "man." This gives the name the meaning of "leader of men" or "guide of men." The name was likely used to refer to a military commander or leader of some kind during medieval times. It was also a common name found among the nobility during the 14th century.
The last name Leithmann is now found in many countries across the world. People with this name are found in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Denmark, France, Poland, Hungary, Serbia and Croatia. It is still a relatively common name in some regions, including Germany.
The Leithmann surname is associated with people who are hard working, loyalty, and strong leadership. The name can be a representation of dedication to their family and community, as well as the courage to take on difficult tasks. People with this name tend to be driven and pursue their goals with vigor. It’s also a name of great honour, as it signifies a history of proud leadership and a dedication to their families and communities.
Order DNA origin analysisLeithmann: Where does the name Leithmann come from?
The last name Leithmann is most commonly found in Germany and Scandinavia today. In Germany, the last name is found in Hamburg, East Frisia, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Lower Saxony, and Baden-Württemberg (especially in the Stuttgart area). In Scandinavia, it is commonly found in Norway, Sweden, and Denmark.
It is a relatively rare last name, with about 500 people in Germany bearing it today. The 2000 census in Norway showed that 347 individuals have the family name Leithmann, while the 2019 population register of Finland estimated only 34 people with the surname.
The origin of the Leithmann name can be traced back to an ancestral figure by the name of Leberecht Leithmann, who was born in Lügerdorf, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany in 1798. His son, Johann Wilhelm Leithmann, moved to East Frisia in the late 1800s and later emigrated to South Africa. This explains why the last name is common in Germany and Scandinavia today.
The name translates to "Lion-protector" and is derived from an Old German word „Leidsman”. It was an occupational name given to people who looked after the aristocratic families' herds of lions, often in zoos.
Variations of the surname Leithmann
The surname Leithmann, is a German and Dutch derivation of a locational name meaning 'one from the Leitha River', which is located in Austria and Hungary. The variants of this surname are Liechtenstein, Lietman, Lietman, Lejman, Lytman, Loeithman, Lethmann, Leitman, and Liechtensteiner.
In some cases, the spelling variation of the name can be dependent on date and location. This is often seen in the 19th century, where a range of surname spellings as well as dialects and languages could be found in one region. For instance, whilst the 'Leithmann' spelling could be found in Austrian and Dutch records, the 'Liechtenstein' spelling was more common in the United States.
These spelling variations often had multiple Germanic or Slavic spellings when tracing the surname further back, such as Lyţman, Liechtenstain, Liehtman, and Lyetman These would come together to form some of the variant forms of today.
In some cases, the surnames could even changed when the holder of the surname was recorded at emigration ports. For example, the surname Lyţman might have become Liechtenstein before the holder traveled to the United States, and potentially Leithmann upon settling.
Given the many ways in which the surname could have been changed or transformed over time, a wide range of different challenges can be anticipated when looking to trace a family history.
Famous people with the name Leithmann
- Walter Leithmann (1880–1945), German World War I flying ace
- Helga Leithmann (1918–1987), German writer, actress and singer
- Claus Leithmann (1925–2005), German surgeon
- Volker Leithmann (born 1955), German footballer
- André Leithmann (born 1958), German film producer and screenwriter
- Verena Leithmann (born 1964), German journalist and editor
- Julian Leithmann (born 1994), German footballer
- Gregor Leithmann (born 1972), German stage actor, director, producer, and playwright