Surname Leevy - Meaning and Origin
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Leevy: What does the surname Leevy mean?
The last name Leevy is an Anglicized variation of the German-Jewish surname Levi. The name Levi, in turn, is derived from the biblical figure of the same name, who was the third son of the biblical figure Jacob. According to the book of Genesis, Levi was the father of the tribe of Levites, a tribe of tribal officials in the ancient Hebrew religion.
The meanings associated with the name Levi and Leevy include, but are not limited to, “attached”, “joined” and “associated”. Variations of the name Leevy include Levy, Lévy, Lewy, and Lewi.
Leevy is a popular surname in many countries, particularly Israel and the United States. It has sometimes been used to denote descendants of the chief priestly house or tribe of Israel, the Levites. The name is sometimes used synonymously with Levite, a name for the whole tribe or class of Hebrew priests. In the United States, there are over three thousand people with the last name Leevy.
The name Leevy is common among people of Jewish heritage and is often thought to signify a level of dignity and respectability. It can also be used as an expression of piety and devotion to God and the Jewish faith. It is often used to signify diligence, justice, righteousness, and fidelity.
Order DNA origin analysisLeevy: Where does the name Leevy come from?
The last name Leevy is common in both North America and Europe today. While the spelling of the surname may vary from region to region, the origin tends to remain the same. The surname Leevy is primarily of Germanic and Jewish ancestry.
In Germany, the Leevy surname is particularly common in the western regions of Nordrhein-Westfalen and Hessen. In the United States, the Leevy surname is particularly common in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and New York. In the United Kingdom, the surname is particularly common in London and Sheffield.
The Leevy surname is also common in many other parts of the world, such as Scotland, Canada, and Australia. In Scotland, the Leevy surname is particularly common in the Central Lowlands and North East Highlands.
It is likely that the Leevy surname is derived from a place name or epithet, Linden-Läufer. This term literally translates to "Linden runner" or "a transporter of Linden wood." Linden wood has long been a symbol of love, peace, welfare, and harmony in some Germanic cultures.
Therefore, it is possible that the Leevy surname would have been given to those who were known to take part in activities that promoted these virtues, such as communication, negotiation, and arbitration. Today, the Leevy surname remains a common one in both North America and Europe, offering further proof of the lasting legacy of its noble origins.
Variations of the surname Leevy
Leevy is a surname of English origin. Possible variants of the name include Levy, Levi, Leevey, le Vey, Le Vey, Leavy, Levee and Leive.
Spellings of the name, include alternatively with a single “e” (Leavy, Lavy, Levy) and with an additional “e” (Leevey, Levey). It can also appear spelt with a “v” instead of a “v” (Le Vey, Le Vay, Leavy).
Variants of the surname found in other countries include Löwe and Lowy (Germany); Lowi (Poland); and Lewy (Austria and Czech Republic). The Russian variant is Leva, while the Spanish variant is Levy.
Surnames derived from the same root as Leevy include Lebov, Lebeau, Leblanc, Lesniak, Levene, Levinson and Levite. Other variants include Levenson, Levesque, Levinsky, and Levitansky.
Leevy may also be an Anglicanised version of the Irish surname Ó Laoidhigh, which in turn derives from the personal name Laoidheach. Variants of this name include Leody, Laoidhigh, Laoide, Laoideach, Laoidheach, Laoihdhe, Laoithigh and Laoidhig.
Famous people with the name Leevy
- Reginald Leevy: American television actor.
- Jade Leevy: American television actress known for her role in the series “Modern Family”.
- Steven Leevy: American entrepreneur and business executive.
- Kenneth Leevy: American film producer and actor.
- Gary J. Leevy: American entrepreneur, corporate executive and philanthropist.
- Bruce Leevy: American film director and writer.
- Richard Leevy: American lawyer, businessman and philanthropist.
- Brenda Leevy: American businesswoman, entrepreneur and philanthropist.
- Ray Leevy: American football player.
- David Leevy: American pool player and instructor.
- Carole Leevy: American basketball coach and motivational speaker.
- Don Leevy: American singer and songwriter.
- Eric Leevy: former English professional footballer.
- Graham Leevy: former English cricketer.
- L. S. Leevy Johnson: American politician and clergyman.
- G.T. Leevy Johnson: American bishop and civil rights activist.
- Curtis Leevy: American jazz drummer and vibraphonist.
- Mayme Leevy: American voice actress.
- Stewart Leevy: American advertising executive.
- Fred Leevy: American painter.