Surname Leikhardt - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'L'
Leikhardt: What does the surname Leikhardt mean?
The last name Leikhardt is of Germanic origin, derived from the surnames of the Middle Age era. The first element ‘Leik’ denotes a form of the given name Liebhard, which translates to ‘dear bold’. The second element of ‘hardt’ refers to ‘brave’ or ‘brave ruler’. Together, the first and second elements of the name combine to mean a ‘dear, bold or brave ruler’.
During the Middle Ages, this name was fairly common amongst a particular class of the German population, the Frankish gentry. It was used as a sign of loyalty and to identify clan members. As a result, the surname was passed down through subsequent generations and is still used by many German-descended families to this day.
Over time, the name has also taken on other meanings such as ‘true, brave heart’ or ‘brave explorer’, which could refer to the many adventurers who bore the name throughout history. This is particularly relevant bearing in mind the fact that the name is most common in Germany and Austria, countries which are famous for their rich history and exploration of the world.
In conclusion, the last name Leikhardt originally meant ‘dear, bold or brave ruler’ and was used to identify and honour the members of noble German families. However, over time, it has come to take on other meanings too, as a tribute to the intrepid explorers and adventurers that have made their name part of the Germans’ cultural heritage.
Order DNA origin analysisLeikhardt: Where does the name Leikhardt come from?
The last name Leikhardt is common in Germany and Austria. It is derived from the old Germanic personal name Leuthard, which means an intelligent warrior or leader. The name first appears in records in the 12th century, when it was used as a surname by German aristocratic families. According to one theory, the Leikhardts trace their heritage back to the Bavarian dukes of the 11th and 12th centuries.
The Leikhardt family became established in many regions of southern Germany and today, the last name is especially common in the states of Bavaria and Baden-Wurttemberg. It is also found in other parts of Germany, such as Hamburg, North Rhine-Westphalia, Rhineland-Palatinate, Hesse, and Thuringia. In Austria, it is found primarily in Upper Austria but is also found in other parts of the country.
The Leikhardt family is also found in many countries around the world including the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. The frequency of the name varies from country to country, but generally it is not extremely common. In the United States, for example, it is found most often in Texas, Minnesota, and Wisconsin, but there are other states where it is found with greater frequency.
Variations of the surname Leikhardt
The variant spellings and surnames of Leikhardt are Leichhardt, Leickhardt, Leikhard, Leikart, and Leikert. These variants are derived from the same origin and are all derived from the personal name Ludwig, which was popular in the German area.
The original form of this name is Leichardt or Leichart, which is composed of the elements lei, which means "favor" or "friendship," combined with hardi, "boldness." Because of its connection to favor and friendship, the Leikhardt surname is thought to signify both loyalty and strength.
The various derivatives of this surname originated in different parts of Germany, such as Leickhardt in Wurttemburg and the Black Forest, Leikhard in Bavaria, Leikart in Schleswig-Holstein, and Leikert in Prussia and East Germany.
Most likely due to emigration, this surname eventually became particularly common in various parts of the United States, including Pennsylvania, Illinois, Wisconsin, and Ohio, although it may also be found in other places. The various variations and spellings of the surname have led to many different family lineages tracing their roots back to the original Leikhardt family, which likely originated in Germany.
Famous people with the name Leikhardt
- Johann Gregory Leikhardt: an American Evangelical pastor, author, and speaker.
- Kanon Leikhardt: a character from the manga/anime series Saint Seiya.
- Michael Leikhardt: a lieutenant colonel who served in the United States Marine Corps.
- Emil Leikhardt: a German retired professional football player.
- Anna Leikhardt: an Austrian hurdler.
- John Leikhardt: a Canadian middle-distance runner.
- Joseph Leikhardt: a German engineer and archaeologist.
- Lisa Leikhardt: a neo-Figurative German artist.
- Svetlana Leikhardt: a Belarusian freestyle swimmer.
- Gottfried Leikhardt: a former Austrian long-distance runner who competed in the 1976 Summer Olympics.
- Thomas Leikhardt: a former field hockey player from Germany.
- Beverly Leikhardt: an American badminton player who competed for the United States at the 1992 Olympic Games.
- Alexander Leikhardt: an American professional soccer player.
- Charles Leikhardt: the founder of the Leikhardt & Smith Funeral Home.
- Billy Leikhardt: an Australian rules football player who played for the Melbourne Football Club during the 1950s and '60s.
- Gregory Leikhardt: an American aviator who set a world record for a solo cross-country flight in 1933.
- Anneliese Leikhardt: an American swimmer who competed in the 1924 Summer Olympics.
- Carl Leikhardt: a German climber who competed in the 1952 Olympics.
- Renate Leikhardt: an Austrian alpine skier who competed in the 1956 Winter Olympics.
- Douglas Leikhardt: an American retired professional basketball player.