Summary

The surname Leech has English origins and is derived from the Middle English word 'leche,' which means 'physician' or 'healer.' It was originally used as an occupational name for someone who practiced medicine or was skilled in healing. It may also have been used as a nickname for a person with a benevolent or helpful nature.
There are
5099
Leechs in the USA
Leech is the
6640th
most common last name in the USA

Historical figures and celebrities called Leech

JamesHenry

James Henry Leech was a renowned British physician and medical scientist. He made significant contributions to the field of anatomy and pathology, particularly in the study of cardiovascular diseases.

MargaretLeech

Margaret Leech was an American historian and biographer. She is best known for her Pulitzer Prize-winning book 'Reveille in Washington, 1860-1865,' which chronicles the social and political aspects of the American Civil War.

JohnLeech

John Leech was a British caricaturist and illustrator, famous for his contributions to Punch magazine. His satirical and humorous drawings provided insightful commentary on the social and political scene of Victorian England.

AnneLeech

Anne Leech was an English suffragette and women's rights activist. She played a significant role in advocating for women's suffrage and was actively involved in the suffragette movement during the early 20th century.

SamuelLeech

Samuel Leech was an American sailor who served aboard the HMS Macedonian during the War of 1812. He gained fame for his published memoir 'Thirty Years from Home,' which vividly recounts his experiences in naval battles and life at sea.

Leech Genealogy

OriginsThe surname 'Leech' has origins in multiple cultures and languages. It can be derived from the Middle English word 'leche,' meaning 'physician' or 'healer,' suggesting an ancestral connection to the medical profession. Additionally, it may have originated as a topographic surname referring to someone who lived near a leech pond or swamp.
Geographic DistributionThe surname 'Leech' is found predominantly in English-speaking countries such as the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. However, it can also be found in other regions around the world due to migration and diaspora.
VariationsVariations of the surname 'Leech' include 'Leach,' 'Leche,' and 'Leitch,' which may have emerged through regional dialects, phonetic changes, or anglicization.
Migration and ImmigrationMigration and immigration of individuals with the surname 'Leech' have occurred throughout history. Significant waves of migration took place during the 19th and early 20th centuries, especially from the United Kingdom to various parts of the British Empire and the United States. Reasons for migration and immigration included seeking better economic opportunities, escaping religious persecution, and participating in colonial expansion.