Surname Lethwaite - Meaning and Origin
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Lethwaite: What does the surname Lethwaite mean?
The last name Lethwaite is of English origin and is believed to be derived from "Hleothwae". This old Anglo-Saxon name is composed of the elements "hlēo" which means shelter or refuge, and "thwaite" which translates to a clearing in a forest or piece of land cleared for settlement. The name is derived from a place name and was used to differentiate between individuals with the same first name, as well as to indicate a person’s ancestral origin when they migrated to different parts of the country.
The Lethwaite surname is found most frequently in Yorkshire, England. Even today, the name is still concentrated in the region where it originated. In the past, the name likely referred to a family who resided at or near a clearing. It was also common for people to take on the Lethwaite surname when they moved to a new place of residence.
The name Lethwaite is an example of a habitational name, which suggests that the family that bore it originally lived, held land, or was born in a particular area. The surname is derived from a geographical feature, such as a mountain, lake, river, or other feature, and it is likely that the family that used the name Lethwaite is descended from the area where the feature exists.
Over time, the meaning of the name has evolved to signify a place of refuge, comfort, or safety. The Lethwaite surname has taken on a broader significance, and it is common today for families bearing the name to feel a strong connection to their ancestral history and the place of origin.
Order DNA origin analysisLethwaite: Where does the name Lethwaite come from?
The last name Lethwaite is quite common in the United Kingdom. It is mainly found in the counties of England such as Lancashire, Yorkshire, and Cumbria. These northern counties have a rich history of farming, and this is thought to link to the first landowners in England who held the Lethwaite name.
The surname has spread across the globe, with high concentrations in Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and North America. It is also frequently found in Ireland, especially in counties such as Dublin, Leitrim and Cork.
Due to immigration from all over the world, the Lethwaite surname is also seen in countries such as Canada, the United States, India and mainland Europe.
In the UK, there are over 300 people who hold the Lethwaite surname. Interestingly, this number has decreased over the past century due to assimilation and other factors. Over in Ireland, genealogical records suggest that the Lethwaite surname is not as common as once thought.
Overall, the Lethwaite surname can be found in many English-speaking countries around the world. Although it is still relatively common, its presence is becoming increasingly rare.
Variations of the surname Lethwaite
The surname Lethwaite is an English surname with a few variants and spellings. Common variant spellings of Lethwaite include Lathwaite, Laithwaite, Lethewaite, Lathwait, Lythewaite, Lawppwaite and Lawthewaite. The surnames Lethwaite, Lathwaite and Laithwaite are all derived from the Old English words 'lethe' and 'waite', meaning 'meadow'. The other variant spellings likely originate from the pronunciation of the name or spelling mistakes made by record keepers and census takers at some point along the line.
The Lethwaite surname is found mainly in Lancashire and Yorkshire, although it can appear in other English counties. The surname may occasionally be found elsewhere, especially in North America and Australia, due to emigration from the British Isles.
Lethwaite is also an uncommon given name in parts of Northern England and Scotland. When used as a given name, Lethwaite is often spelled with only one 'L' as 'Lethewaite'.
The Lethwaite name is believed to have derived from the old English words 'lethe' and 'waite', although other meanings have been suggested over time, such as the Anglo-Saxon words 'leth' and 'waite' meaning 'wooded area'. Additionally, it has also been suggested that Lethwaite is a combination of the names Lawrence and William.
If you are researching your family history, it is important to be aware of the variants of the Lethwaite surname and to be mindful that spelling errors may have occurred in historical records, meaning that you may need to look for spellings that are slightly different to what your research shows.
Famous people with the name Lethwaite
- Steven Lethwaite: an English actor best known for his roles in British crime films.
- Henry Lethwaite: an English cricketer who played in five first-class matches between 1915 and 1923.
- Abercrombie Lethwaite: an English academic and the founder of the Aberdeen nautical charity ‘Lethwaite & Co’.
- Alan Lethwaite: a British actor who has appeared in television and film productions including Midsomer Murders, Casualty and Coronation Street.
- William Lethwaite: an English international footballer who played for Watford and Bristol City.
- Sir Edward Lethwaite: a British soldier, who was made a Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath in 1906.
- Thomas Lethwaite: an English soldier and recipient of three medals during World War II.
- Paul Lethwaite: a British footballer who played professional football for clubs in England and Scotland.
- David Lethwaite: a Canadian architect and urban planner, best known for his work on the West Vancouver Community Centre.
- Emma Lethwaite: an English stage actress, who has appeared on stage and in television.