Leech Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Leech come from? What does the surname Leech mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Leech and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Surname Leech Origin: What does the last name Leech mean?
The surname Leech is of English origin and was originally used to denote a physician who practiced bloodletting. It first appeared in records from England around the early 13th century and remained closely associated with the country from the 13th to the 19th centuries. The name Leech has since spread globally, with YourRoots data showing family records in countries such as the United States, Australia, Canada, Ireland, and Scotland.
YourRoots data confirms the global spread of the Leech surname, with records indicating a significant presence in England by the 20th century. Today, the Leech surname is prominent in various regions worldwide, highlighting its enduring legacy and widespread distribution across different countries and cultures.
Leech Last Name History: Where did the last name Leech come from?
Origin of Leech Surname: Where does the last name Leech originate from?
According to YourRoots data, the surname Leech first appeared in records from England around the early 13th century. Please note that this reflects only YourRoots data for the exact Leech spelling and does not include other record sources or surname variations.
History of the Last Name Leech: What does the Leech surname history look like in the early days?
The Leech surname remained closely associated with England from the 13th to the 19th centuries. YourRoots data also shows Leech family records in countries like the United States, indicating global spread over the centuries.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Leech surname today?
By the 20th century, the volume of records with the Leech surname grew significantly in England. The Leech surname remains prominent in various regions and appears in many countries, including the United States, Australia, Canada, Ireland, and Scotland.
Explore Leech last name heritage and Leech surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With Leech Surame?
Allen Leech
Allen Leech (May 18, 1981 - ) is an Irish actor known for his roles in popular TV series and films. He gained fame as Tom Branson in the hit show Downton Abbey and portrayed Paul Prenter in Bohemian Rhapsody. Leech's career includes roles in Rome, The Tudors, and The Imitation Game. He received critical acclaim for his performances and earned nominations for prestigious awards. Off-screen, Leech married actress Jessica Blair Herman in 2019. With a successful acting career and a growing family, Allen Leech continues to captivate audiences with his talent and charm.
Richard Leech
Richard Leeper McClelland (24 Nov 1922 – 24 Mar 2004) was an Irish actor known professionally as Richard Leech. Born in Dublin, he started as a doctor before transitioning to acting. His notable film credits include "The Dam Busters," "Gandhi," and "The Shooting Party." On television, he appeared in popular series like "Doctor Who" and "The Avengers." Leech married twice and had two children. His diverse roles showcased his talent and versatility, making him a respected figure in the entertainment industry.
Geoffrey Leech
Geoffrey Neil Leech FBA (16 Jan 1936 – 19 Aug 2014) was an English language and linguistics specialist known for his extensive research and publications. He authored over 30 books and 120 papers, focusing on English grammar, corpus linguistics, stylistics, pragmatics, and semantics. Leech's notable contributions include co-authoring authoritative English grammar reference works and pioneering computer corpus development. His work on literary stylistics and semantics has been widely cited, earning him recognition in the academic community. Leech's influence in the field of linguistics remains significant, shaping the study of language for future generations.
Faith Leech
Faith Yvonne Leech (Mar 31, 1941 – Sep 14, 2013) was an Australian freestyle swimmer who won gold and bronze medals at the 1956 Summer Olympics in Melbourne. Known for her elegant technique, she started swimming as a child to build strength and quickly rose to prominence by breaking age group records. Leech retired at 15 due to anxiety caused by racing, but her legacy in Australian swimming remains strong.
Kenneth Leech
Kenneth Leech (15 Jun 1939 – 12 Sep 2015) was an English Anglican priest and Christian socialist known for his work in the Anglo-Catholic tradition. Born into a working-class family, Leech was inspired by a speech denouncing apartheid, leading him to combine his faith with activism. He founded the charity Centrepoint to address youth homelessness and was involved in the struggle against racism and fascism. Leech's theology emphasized the union of contemplative spirituality, sacramental worship, orthodox doctrine, and social action. He advocated for justice and inclusivity within the Church, supporting the ordination of women and the rights of the LGBTQ+ community. His impactful legacy continues to inspire generations.
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