Surname Letsinger - Meaning and Origin
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Letsinger: What does the surname Letsinger mean?
The last name Letsinger is of German origin and is derived from the German word "Lassinger". It is thought to have first been used as an occupational name, referring to someone who is a servant or a waiter. It is believed to have originated in Bavaria as a variation of the German name Letzinger.
The literal meaning of the name is 'one who serves'. This is backed up by its earliest known use, when a member of the Letzinger family served as a trader in the royal Bavarian court in the 12th century.
Letsinger is an uncommon name, found mainly in southwestern Bavaria in Germany, although its use has spread to other countries over the years. It is relatively rare in the US, with only about 650 people bearing the name as of the latest estimates. The favorite middle name of people bearing the name is "Lee," and variations on this are often used.
Whether you are descended from a German ancestor or you are attracted to the literal meaning of 'one who serves', Letsinger is sure to carry a special history and heritage for anyone who bears this name.
Order DNA origin analysisLetsinger: Where does the name Letsinger come from?
The Letsinger surname is most commonly found in the United States today. It originated with the early settlers of the Pennsylvania and New England colonies. The immigrant ancestor of the Letsinger families was probably a German Palatine called Philip Letzinger who arrived in Philadelphia in 1730. The surname is also found scattered throughout Germany, the United Kingdom, Canada and Australia.
Letsingers derived from German immigrants are especially numerous in the Midwest and Southern states, such as Ohio, Kentucky, North Carolina, Missouri and Indiana. In fact, some of the earliest recorded results of the surname Letsinger come from Pennsylvania and Ohio in the 1800s.
Letsingers can also be found well-represented in the western states like California, Oregon and Washington. Families likely migrated there during the Gold Rush of the mid-nineteenth century and found jobs in the growing lumber industry. Around the same time, the Letsinger name found its way to the Mid-Atlantic states of New Jersey and Maryland, possibly via further German immigration.
Today, the Letsinger surname can be found across the country, with the most dense population of families found in the Midwest and Southern states. It is also found in the British Isles, Germany, Canada and Australia.
Variations of the surname Letsinger
The variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin for the surname Letsinger are Lestingwer, Lestingar, Lettinger, Lettingar, Littsingar, Lettzinger, Letzinger, and Letzinger.
The variation in spellings and surnames is due to the fact that surnames often changed over time and in particular when emigrants from one area to another changed their surnames to fit in better with their new location or to differentiate themselves.
Letsinger is an Americanized spelling that is derived from the German surname Lettzinger, which is a locative name. The locative name originated from the ancient city of Lettzing, near Munich, Bavaria, Germany. The ultimate root of the name is thought to come from the Germanic word lette which means plan, or flat.
The earliest recorded occurrence of the name or any of its variant spellings dates from 1662 in Barkhampstead, Hertfordshire, England. It is likely that this branch of the family travels to England from their native homeland of Bavaria, Germany sometime during the 16th century.
In the United States today, the Letsinger surname is most frequently found in the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast regions of the country. There is a larger concentration in North Carolina and West Virginia.
The various spellings and forms of the Letsinger surname are a testament to the journey of this family as they moved from rubble to riches throughout Europe and around the world. The history and evolution of the Letsinger surname reflects their determination and the hardships encountered in the pursuit of a better life.
Famous people with the name Letsinger
- Angaleena Presley: Country music singer and songwriter. She was a member of the Nashville trio Pistol Annies alongside country superstars Miranda Lambert and Ashley Monroe.
- Jarrett Letsinger: A professional poker player active in the US and UK.
- Kenneth Letsinger: American football quarterback who played for the New York Jets.
- Ashlyn Letsinger: Singer who gained fame as a contestant on the singing competition television show The X Factor.
- J. Letsinger McBride: Country music singer-songwriter and musician based out of Nashville.
- Ashley Lettsinger: Former dancer and current activist from California. She founded a non-profit organization called Dancers For Good dedicated to empowering dancers to use their skills to make a positive impact on their community.
- Kathy Letsinger: Female athlete who specialized in the pentathlon, competing for the United States in the Olympics.
- Josh Letsinger: Professional skateboarder based in Pennsylvania.
- Graham Letsinger: Stand-up comedian from Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
- Edward Letsinger: Founding Co-CEO of Old West Investment Management, a US-based asset management firm.