Surname Leffew - Meaning and Origin

Leffew: What does the surname Leffew mean?

The last name Leffew is of English and German origin, derived from the Germanic personal name Leffert, which consisted of the elements leof, meaning "dear" or "beloved," and heri, meaning "warrior." Over time, Leffert became Anglicized as Leffour, and then Leffew.

Since the original Leffert derived from the Germanic language, it’s likely that the first Leffew came to England with the Anglo-Saxon settlers as early as the 5th century and established themselves in the North and central regions. During the Middle Ages, the Leffews were mainly concentrated in the counties of Oxfordshire, Wiltshire and Berkshire. By the 16th century, many had moved further into Wales, and some had even ventured to Ireland.

In addition to England, the Leffew name has appeared in many other countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. American Leffews started settling in the region near present-day Virginia in the mid-1600s and moved gradually into Kentucky and other nearby states.

Today, the last name Leffew is still found mainly in the United Kingdom and the United States, although it is still present in other countries like Germany, France, and Poland to name a few. The name is still relatively uncommon, and the Leffews who bear the name are among a small group of proud individuals with deep ancestry and ties to the Germanic and Anglo-Saxon cultures.

Leffew: Where does the name Leffew come from?

The last name Leffew is most commonly seen in the United States today. The group known as the Leffew family has origins in the mid-1700s in the colonies which eventually became part of Virginia. Some members of the extended Leffew family relocated to other parts of the newly established United States, eventually making their way to South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee, Kentucky, and Ohio.

The group of Leffews has statistically been traced to a few counties throughout these states, including Greene and Blount in Tennessee, Greene and Washington in Georgia, Johnson in Kentucky, Buncombe and Onslow in North Carolina, Berkeley and Sumter in South Carolina, and Montgomery and Darke in Ohio. The majority of the current family group has likely descended from one of these regions.

Today, the Leffew surname can still be seen in concentration in several Southern and Appalachian states. Areas of higher concentration include the states of Louisiana, Texas, Alabama, and Arkansas. There are also some living in other parts of the nation, though numbers are lower outside the original regions where the name was most popular.

Due to their historic connections with the South and Appalachia, many members of the Leffew family continue to adhere to the culture and traditions established throughout the group's history, while others have adopted new cultures and established a unique identity of their own. As the family continues to move and settle, its members can be found in all parts of the United States today.

Variations of the surname Leffew

The surname Leffew is of Scottish origin, and is derived from the Old French le Brun, meaning dark or brown. Over the centuries the surname has been recorded in a wide range of spellings and variants, including Leve win, Leverwin, Leverin, Lever, Liverwin, Liverin, Leveren, Levirwin, Lifferin, Lifewin, Lofwin, Lefdrien, Severein, Severein, Leverdan and Lefwin.

The variations in spelling of the Leffew surname can be attributed to a number of factors. During the Middle Ages, a single name was often written in many different ways as a result of a lack of basic literacy, and oral history and tradition. As a result, many different variations of the same surname began to emerge all over the British Isles.

Variations of the Leffew surname can also be attributed to regional dialects. Over time, the name may have taken on different forms depending on the area, as different regions would often have their own dialect and pronunciation of the name.

Surnames associated with the Leffew surname can include Levewin, Leverwin, Leverin, Lever, Liverwin, Liverin, Leveren, Levirwin, Lifferin, Lifewin, Lofwin, Lefdrien, Severein, Severein, Leverdan and Lefwin.

Famous people with the name Leffew

• Luke Leffew: American professional bull rider
• John Leffew: an American actor who has had roles in films such as Happiness (1998), Cast Away (2000), and National Security (2003).
• Jason Leffew: American juggler, magician, and speaker who has appeared on America's Got Talent
• Lori Leffew: former Miss Florida USA
• Tracey Leffew: former LPGA golfer
• Ashley Leffew: American beach volleyball player
• Mike Leffew: former NFL running back
• Shelby Leffew: former American football player and coach
• B. B. Leffew: American country and bluegrass musician
• Mayzie Leffew: American singer-songwriter and producer

Other surnames

LeffelsendLeffelsender