Surname Leu - Meaning and Origin
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A. Leu
read moreLeu: What does the surname Leu mean?
The last name Leu is of Germanic origin and is thought to be a variation of the word “Laewe” which translates to “lion”. The name can also be traced to the Old High German root “lewo” which means “fierce” or “bold”.
Leu is an uncommon name in many parts of the world, but it is most commonly found in Switzerland, Germany, and Austria. It is also found in the Low Countries and in a few parts of Eastern Europe. There are multiple spellings of this name, including Lewe, Loh, Löwe, and Lew.
The name could have come from being a “bold” person, as having a fearless attitude was an admirable trait to have during the Middle Ages. It’s also possible that the name could have come from a physical embodiment of someone associated with a lion, as in a family crest or coat of arms that featured a lion.
In modern times, individuals with the last name Leu are sometimes viewed as free-spirited and brave. They tend to be independent thinkers and go with their instincts rather than following what others think. They often have an entrepreneurial spirit, but also have a big heart and are generous with those they care about.
The name Leu is unique and is often a sign of strength and courage. Those who bear it should be proud of their heritage and carry those traits of bravery wherever life takes them.
Order DNA origin analysisLeu: Where does the name Leu come from?
The last name Leu is most common in Switzerland today. It is also quite common in parts of Germany, with a few Leu families also residing in neighboring Austria and Liechtenstein. The Leu surname also appears to have spread across Europe, with Leu households now found in France, the Netherlands, Belgium, Denmark, Sweden, and Finland.
In addition, Leu families can be found in North America, with immigrants from Europe settling in Canada, the United States and Mexico. There is even one family living in Brazil and another in New Zealand.
While the origin of the Leu surname remains unclear, many scholars believe that it is derived from the Germanic or Old Swiss German root “Lau”, which means meadow, pasture, or clearing. This could imply a geographical origin, as families that moved into open clearing in forested areas are likely to have adopted the surname of “Leu” over time.
Leu is still especially common in the German canton of Zurich, home to about 16% of the country’s Leu population. This is likely due to Zurich’s location within the ancient borderline between Germanic and Romance-speaking communities and its historic role as a commercial hub.
Overall, the Leu surname continues to remain most popular in parts of Switzerland and Germany, with notable presence throughout Europe, North America, and beyond.
Variations of the surname Leu
The surname Leu is believed to have originated from the ancient Germanic name Leuthari, which meant descendant of “the people's ruler”. The surname has been found in many different variants and spellings, including Lew, Loew, Leuth, Leut, Lewe, Löwe, Löw, Loe, Leual, Leuall, Leuallen, Leuellen, leawe, Luo, Lou, Lowe and Lyom.
The Leu surname is mainly found in Germany, Luxembourg, and France. In Germany, variations of this surname include Lewin, Leuthards, Lewe, Lewing, and Lewitz. In France, variations include Leuallicke, Leuany, Leudiere, Leudier, and Leudsier. In Luxembourg, variations include Lew, Lewen, Lewens, and Lewenty.
The Leu surname is also found in Switzerland, where it is occasionally spelled Lew. In Austria, the surname is spelled Löw or Löwe. In Italy, variations include Lewi and Leuci. In Denmark, the surname is spelled Lewe. In Spain, the name is spelled either Lewo or Lecho.
In addition to these countries, the surname is found in other parts of the world, often with a modified spelling. In the United States and Canada, the Leu surname can also be spelled as Lowe, Lew, Loew, and Lewe. This name is also found in the United Kingdom, where variations include Loom, Lumsden, Leuellen, and Lyom.
Famous people with the name Leu
- Ada Leu, Swiss Olympic Cross-Country Skier
- Ahmed Leu, Swiss Politician
- Bernhard Leu, Swiss Astronomer
- Christian Leu, Swiss Political Scientist
- David Leu, South African Footballer
- Dieter Leu, Swiss Aerospace Engineer
- Elisabeth Leu, Austrian Actress
- Frederik Leu, Dutch Social Worker
- Gunther Leu, Swiss Painter
- Heiner Leu, German Former Footballer
- Hubert Leu, Swiss Painter
- Ingbert Leu, German Politician
- Jack Leu, American Surgeon
- Joelle Leu, Swiss Model and Actress
- Johann Leu, Swiss Franciscan Friar
- John Leu, American College Football Coach
- Jorgen Leu, Danish Actor
- Konrad Leu, Swiss Lawyer and Politician
- Lambert Leu, Swiss Painter
- Manuel Leu, Swiss Former Footballer
- Marie Leu, Swiss Multiple Award Winning Actress
- Michel Leu, Swiss Fencing Master
- Norbert Leu, Swiss Film Critic
- Pascal Leu, Swiss Snowboarder
- Peter Leu, Swiss Heptathlete
- Stefan Leu, Swiss Singer
- Thomas Leu, Swiss Former Footballer
- Urs Leu, Swiss Alpine Skier
- Yves Leu, Swiss Astronomer