Surname Leveritt - Meaning and Origin
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Leveritt: What does the surname Leveritt mean?
The surname Leveritt is of English origin, derived from the Old English personal name Leofgyth which means "beloved battle." It is a patronymic surname, formed by the addition of an "-itt" ending to a personal name, signifying "son of" or "descendant of." Over time and with changes in language, the name gradually transformed to become Leveritt. This name was first found in Bedfordshire, England, before spreading to other parts of the UK and eventually the world through emigration. Like many surnames, the exact spelling can vary, with Leverett and Leveret being common alternatives. As a surname, Leveritt is relatively rare, but can be found among individuals and families primarily in the United Kingdom and the United States. It is important to note that the meaning of a surname can sometimes be a matter of interpretation, as names often have complex and multifaceted origins, sometimes with different meanings in different cultures and languages.
Order DNA origin analysisLeveritt: Where does the name Leveritt come from?
The surname Leveritt traces its origins to England and is derived from a Norman French nickname ‘Le Ver’ meaning ‘The Truth’. The name was often given to a trusty individual. After the Norman Conquest in the 11th century, Norman French, including surnames, became the language of the English upper classes, and it started to be used among common people later. Therefore, the name, in its oldest forms such as ‘Leverer’, ‘Leveret’, etc., started appearing in England post this period.
Today, Leveritt holders are mostly found in the United States, largely due to migration during the 17th and 18th centuries. Although not extremely prevalent, it could be encountered in regions with a history of British immigration like New England or the Midwest. In England, it might still be found to some extent, particularly in areas where it was originally concentrated, such as the Southeast or East Anglia. Remember, the geographical spread of a surname often is a result of later historical migrations, so the data could change over time.
Variations of the surname Leveritt
The surname Leveritt is generally believed to be of Anglo-Saxon origin. Variants of the name can include Leverett, Leveritt, Levett, and Levet. It's also possible that additional spelling variants like Leavitt and Levitt could potentially be related, although they are usually associated with a separate Jewish surname. It's crucial to keep in mind that spelling variations were common during the times when many surnames were established, mainly due to illiteracy and different regional accents.
The surname originally derived from a personal name, signifying an inhabitant of Livet in Normandy, or someone who was bright or light. It may also be a pet form of the name Leofgar, a compound of the elements "leof," meaning dear or beloved, and "gar," signifying spear.
However, a direct connection among all these variations should not be assumed and should be established through genealogical or DNA research. As surname development occurred over many centuries and often in a localised pattern, the same original surname could potentially evolve into many variants, even within the same geographic area. It's important to conduct one's own research or consult a professional genealogist to determine exact connections.
Famous people with the name Leveritt
- Larry Leveritt—Author of The Smartest Guys in the Room: The Amazing Rise and Scandalous Fall of Enron.
- Robyn Leveritt—Australian journalist and author of Cross Examination: The Romance and Reality of the Forensic Science Revolution in Australia.
- Madeleine Leveritt—British-born Australian journalist and former editor-in-chief of the now-defunct Newcastle Morning Herald.
- Maurice Leveritt—Retired British diplomat and former ambassador to Greece.
- Ivor Leveritt—British former commander of the Royal Navy and recipients of the Order of the British Empire (OBE).
- Harold Leveritt—Retired Australian mayor and former councillor for the City of Launceston.
- Leslie Leveritt—Former mayor of Devonport in the United Kingdom.
- Veronica Leveritt—Retired American judge and recipient of the Louisiana Women of Distinction Award.
- Graham Leveritt—Retired English rugby league player for the Bradford Bulls.
- Jack Leveritt—Former British professional football player for Arsenal Football Club.