Surname Leitholt - Meaning and Origin

Leitholt: What does the surname Leitholt mean?

The last name Leitholt is of German origin and has several possible translations. It has been theorized that the name is derived from the German word “leit” meaning guide, which could refer to a leader or a teacher, someone who serves as a guide in life. The suffix “holt” is often associated with wood and thus implies the idea of a “wooded area” or “woodland” from which guidance can be received. Therefore, the name Leitholt can be translated to mean “woodland guide,” suggesting a person who lives in a wooded area and becomes a source of guidance and advice to those who need it.

The Leitholt surname is thought to have originated in the German province of Bavaria, where families bearing the name resided for centuries. The earliest record of the name appears in a document from 1212 and mentions one Eberhardtus de Letheudo, who was a witness to the founding of the Monastery of Weingarten. Over time, members of the Leitholt family migrated east and to other parts of Europe, and eventually to the United States in the 19th century.

Today, those with the Leitholt last name can be found in many areas around the world. What unites them is a shared past of a noble and brave family, one that embodied the ideal of a wooded area guide throughout much of history.

Leitholt: Where does the name Leitholt come from?

The Leitholt surname is of English origin, although there is evidence to indicate that some bearing the name may have German ancestry. It is believed that many Leitholt families may have previously used a variety of alternative spellings of the name.

Today, the last name Leitholt is most common in the United States of America. Specifically, the largest concentration of Leitholt families resides in the northeastern and midwestern states, with a bulk of households being found in Pennsylvania and New York. Furthermore, there are smaller numbers of Leitholt households located in Florida, California, and Michigan. The name is also present in Canada, primarily in Ontario and British Columbia.

Outside of North America, the Leitholt family name remains quite rare. The current population only stands at a few hundred people living in the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, and the Far East.

Despite its rarity, a number of notable individuals bear the last name Leitholt. Notable namesakes of the Leitholt lineage include American politician Jeanette Leithold, Australian actor Jackie Leitholt, and New Zealand born entrepreneur John Leitholt.

Variations of the surname Leitholt

The surname Leitholt is believed to have originated from Germany and is derived from the Middle High German word "luthold," which means brave or strong. The variants, spellings and surnames of Leitholt are Leitholz, Leitholz, Lietzholz, Leitgeholz, and Lietzhold.

Leitholt is also considered a surname originating from Scotland where it is derived from the Old English place-name Leit-halt meaning malicious downfall or ruin. Variants, spellings and surnames of Leitholt in this context are Leatholt, Laytholte, Laithalt, Leathall, Leetholt, Laythoult, Leighalt, Leighholte, and Liatall.

In France, surnames Leitholz, Leighholt, Lietzholz, Leitgehold, and Lietzhold are related to the surname Leitholt. In the origin of this surname, the Old French ‘de Leit’ is derived from the German ‘lut’, meaning 'fierce'.

In Ireland, variants of the surname that are commonly used are Lett, Leeth, Leith, and Lieth. These surnames are believed to be off-shoots of an old Irish name 'Uí Liatháin', that originates from the tenth century king of Munster. Variants, spellings and surnames of Leitholt in this context include Lett, Lehane, Lehan, Leahy, Leehy, Lahon, and Leathy.

Leitholt is also a surname that can be found in Austria, where it can be derived from the Middle High German word ‘lutheld’ – meaning brave or strong. Variants, spellings, and surnames of Leitholt in this context include Lietzhold, Lietzholt, Despite the significant variations in spellings across different regions and countries, the surname Leitholt finds its origins in a similar linguistic root.

Famous people with the name Leitholt

• Kurt Leitholt: The legendary Olympian athlete and winner of Marathon at Munich 1972.
• Derrel Leitholt: An American actor best known for his roles in the popular TV series, The West Wing and several independent movies.
• Martin Leitholt: A professional ice hockey player who served as an alternate captain of German team, EV Zug.
• Stuart Leitholt: An American swimmer and former record holder in the 100-yard butterfly at the U.S. National Championships.
• Ryan Leitholt: A professional soccer player and current coach for Bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga.
• Mary Leitholt: An American author who wrote the bestselling novel Rearview, a coming-of-age story set in the 1990s.
• Joel Leitholt: An American pop-rock singer-songwriter from California who has released several hit singles, including "Can't Stop" and "Undone".
• Donna Leitholt: An American actress best known for her roles in The Breakfast Club and other coming-of-age films of the 1980s.
• Carson Leitholt: An American rapper and music producer from Texas who has released several acclaimed studio albums.
• Carla Leitholt: A Grammy-winning singer and songwriter from Oklahoma who has recorded duets with artists like Miranda Lambert, Brad Paisley and others.

Other surnames

LeitholdLeitholdt