Surname Leihse - Meaning and Origin

Leihse: What does the surname Leihse mean?

The last name Leihse is a German surname of Dutch origin. It is derived from the Dutch name "Leib" or "Leihe" which is an Old Dutch word meaning "deer" or "Country". The Leihse surname was most likely first adopted by people living in the regions of Luxembourg, the Netherlands, and northwestern Germany.

In Germany, Leihse is especially associated with Holstein, the region of northern Germany where the surname is most common today. In the early Middle Ages, the Leihse family was part of the lowest strata of society and would have probably worked as laborers and merchants. During the 1300s, they were wealthy enough to begin buying land and acquiring noble titles, creating at least one minor noble house in the process.

In the literature, the Leihse name has been associated with eloquence and industriousness. It is thought to have been passed down from the ancestors who were proud of their farmsteads, had an aptitude for politics and were able to use their broad experience to their advantage.

The Leihse surnname is not particularly common in North America. However, throughout Europe it is still popular, found in many countries including Luxembourg, Sweden, Poland, and the Czech Republic.

Leihse: Where does the name Leihse come from?

The last name Leihse is most commonly found in northern Germany, particularly the area known as East Frisia. It is also found throughout northern Europe, including the Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, and Finland. Though Leihse is believed to be a Germanic surname, there is some overlap with other Germanic cultures, such as the Dutch, so the last name can further be found in nearby countries.

In terms of specific towns, the surname Leihse is most commonly found in the city of Emden, situated in the northern German state of Lower Saxony. However, it can also be found in other cities and towns throughout the region, such as Hamburg, Bremen, Kiel, Hannover, Bremerhaven, Cuxhaven, Andernach, and Greifswald. Additionally, records show that the last name is also present in other towns in the northern states, including Büsum, Anklam, and Greifswald in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, as well as Oldenburg in Lower Saxony.

Etymologically, the surname Leihse can be traced to the verb "lehn," meaning to lend or borrow, and the suffix "-se," which was commonly used to denote someone who is or belongs to a particular place. This implies that the last name may have originated as a toponymic one, with individuals adopting the surname after settling in an area known as Leihse.

The Leihse genealogical line can be traced back to the mid-19th century when records begin to indicate the presence of the name in northern Germany. Today, the surname is most common in the same region, though with the rise of globalization, it can also be found in other regions and countries across the world.

Variations of the surname Leihse

The surname Leihse is of German origin and is believed to be derived from the old German word "lahsa" or "lahsern," which means "to mingle or mix." Variations of the name include Leyhse, Leixe, Layhse, Lihese, Lehese, Leyse, and Leye. The spelling of this surname can also vary depending on the region, as well as the language of the speaker.

In Germany, Leihse is a variant of its more common spelling Löhse while in Prussia, it became Leise or Liese. In Baden-Württemberg, and other southern German regions, it has been spelled Leysse. In some cases, the letter "i" was dropped and it became Lehse or Lese.

Surnames that are related in origin to Leihse include Leyhse, Leysse, Liese, Lehse, Lese, Layhese, Lihese, Löhse, Leise, and Leyse. In other regions the spelling of Leihse has varied greatly. For example, in Northern Germany, it might be spelled Leishes or Leghes. In France, it is sometimes spelled as Lehses and in Denmark, it has become Lehasi.

Other surnames that are similar to Leihse include Layhea, Lehayha, Löhsy, Löhser, and Lyser. These variations can be found in various countries around the world, including Germany, France, Denmark, Austria, Switzerland, and the United States. While the spelling of the surname may vary, Leihse descendants are typically part of the same family line and share the same heritage.

Famous people with the name Leihse

• Henry Leihse (1820-1901): German photographer most known for his series of portraits of Native Americans
• Tony Lièse (1962-2009): Belgian speed skater who won a gold medal at the 1988 Winter Olympics
• Hugo Leihse (1843-1930): German gynecologist and anatomist who made significant contributions to the field of female reproductive health
• Gustav Leihse (1868-1947): German aviator who set records and won competitions on several occasions
• Leo Leihse (1868-1919): German writer and translator who wrote extensively on Indian culture and history
• Ludwig Leihse (1775-1846): German theologian and professor at the University of Halle
• Carl Leihse (1854-1943): German linguist and professor at the University of Marburg
• Arthur Leihse (1871-1941): German classical scholar and professor at the University of Hamburg
• Hans Leihse (1910-2004): German politician and member of the German Bundestag
• Paul Leihse (1912-1982): German classical scholar and professor at the University of Tübingen

Other surnames

LeihsLeihsner