Surname Leihkauf - Meaning and Origin

Leihkauf: What does the surname Leihkauf mean?

The last name Leihkauf is of German origin and is derived from the elements lei, meaning 'lease', and kauf, meaning 'purchase'. In the Middle Ages, the Leihkauf surname was often given to merchants who bartered goods. This type of transaction is known as “Leihkauf” in German, which means to buy by leasing. The practice of leasing goods was meant to spread ownership of consumer goods among a wider variety of people.

The Leihkauf surname is shared by several notable people in history, including Bernhard Leihkauf, a German mathematician and astronomer during the 19th century; Armin Leihkauf, an SS-Sturmmann in Nazi Germany during World War II; and Johannes Leihkauf, the first mayor of Hamburg, Germany.

For the majority of people with the last name Leihkauf, the name itself serves as a reminder of their humble beginnings as purchasers of goods centuries ago. The Leihkauf surname still stands for someone who is prepared to purchase things at a very reasonable cost. The surname is still present today as an apt reminder of the discerning eye for value that has been passed down from generation to generation.

Leihkauf: Where does the name Leihkauf come from?

The Leihkauf surname is commonly found today in areas of east central Europe, particularly in Germany and Austria. In Germany, the earliest documented occurrences of Leihkauf were in Bavarian cities such as Neubeuern and Mühldorf am Inn. In Austria, records show that the Leihkauf surname is more often found in the northern regions near the Czech Republic, and in the South Tyrol, a mountainous region in the northernmost part of the country.

Other countries in the region where the Leihkauf surname is present include Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, and Croatia. It also appears in some Swiss, French and Italian records dating from the 19th century.

In the United States, the Leihkauf surname is particularly common among the German and Austrian immigrants who settled in the Philadelphia area in the 18th and 19th centuries. Records from the early 20th century indicate that there were at least a few Leihkauf families in New York, Wisconsin and California as well.

Leihkauf is also a fairly common family name in Australia, particularly among the families of German immigrants who settled there in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Most of these individuals are thought to have originated from Prussia and Bavaria.

Although the Leihkauf surname is not particularly common, it is found in many places around the world, particularly east central Europe, the United States, and Australia.

Variations of the surname Leihkauf

The surname Leihkauf is relatively uncommon, with the least amount of variants found. It is primarily found in Germany, with a few cases in the United States and surrounding countries. It is primarily spelled as Leihkauf, but also has several variations and other surnames that may have arisen from the same origin.

The main variations of the surname Leihkauf are Lehkauf and Leihcauf. Other spellings are Leahkauf, Leichenkauf, and Liekauf. Additionally, it has also been anglicized to Laykauf and Leykauf in certain regions.

In addition to the variations of the surname Leihkauf, there are also several related surnames that have arisen from the same origin. These include Lechkauf, Leyckauf, Lückauf, and Leckauf. The surname Maykauf is sometimes used, as well as Maikauf and Maierkauf.

Finally, there is a shortened version of the surname with the alternative spelling Lay, as in Layk. This is most commonly found in Poland, but can also appear in Germany, Austria, and other parts of Europe, and has been anglicized to the spelling of Lay as well.

In conclusion, the surname Leihkauf has several variants and other surnames that have been derived from its origin. Its main variations are Lehkauf, Leihcauf, Lehkauf, Leahkauf, Leichenkauf, Liekauf, as well as the anglicized Laykauf and Leykauf. Related surnames include Lechkauf, Leyckauf, Lückauf, Leckauf, Maykauf, Maikauf, and Maierkauf. Finally, there is also the shortened version of the name, with the alternative spelling Lay, as in Layk.

Famous people with the name Leihkauf

• Christa Leihkauf, German Olympic athlete
• Fred Leihkauf, Alpine skier
• Ernst-Dieter Leihkauf, German soccer player
• Maria Leihkauf, Dutch politician
• Tom Leihkauf, German cyclist
• Richard Leihkauf, American neglected artist
• Heinz Leihkauf, German Olympian
• Maria Leihkauf, German actress
• Johann Leihkauf, Austrian singer
• Andrea Leihkauf, German handball player
• Sabine Leihkauf, German actress
• Klaus Leihkauf, German politican
• Ludwig Leihkauf, German historian
• Verena Leihkauf, German athlete
• Norbert Leihkauf, Sprinter from Germany
• Joan Leihkauf, American politician
• Günther Leihkauf, German hockey player
• Katharina Leihkauf, Austrian artist
• Wolfgang Leihkauf, German mountaineer
• Michael Leihkauf, Austrian cinematographer

Other surnames

Leihkauff