Lees Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Lees come from? What does the surname Lees mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Lees and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Surname Lees Origin: What does the last name Lees mean?
The surname Lees has its origins in England, specifically in locations such as Buckinghamshire, Hampshire, Cheshire, Lincolnshire, and Wiltshire. The name itself means "open place," reflecting the geographical features of the areas where it first appeared. Records from England show that the surname Lees emerged around the early 18th century, remaining closely associated with the country throughout the 18th and 19th centuries. By the 20th century, the volume of records with the Lees surname grew significantly in England, where it remains prominent today.
YourRoots data confirms the presence of the Lees surname in the United Kingdom since the 14th century. Along with Oldham and other former cotton-producing towns in South East Lancashire, the name Lees has a longstanding history in the region. Parish records dating back to the 14th century are filled with the name Lees, reflecting the deep roots of this surname in the area. The Lees family of Oldham, located on the Lancashire-Yorkshire border, has contributed to the history and heritage of the region, with Lees Hall once standing as a testament to the family's presence in the area.
Lees Last Name History: Where did the last name Lees come from?
Origin of Lees Surname: Where does the last name Lees originate from?
According to YourRoots data, the surname Lees first appeared in records from England around the early 18th century. Please note that this reflects only YourRoots data for the exact Lees spelling and does not include other record sources or surname variations.
History of the Last Name Lees: What does the Lees surname history look like in the early days?
The Lees surname remained closely associated with England from the 18th to the 19th century.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Lees surname today?
By the 20th century, the volume of records with the Lees surname grew significantly in England. The Lees surname remains prominent in the United Kingdom.
Explore Lees last name heritage and Lees surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With Lees Surame?
Joanne Lees
Joanne Rachael Lees (born 25 Sep 1973) is a British woman known for surviving an attempted abduction in Australia with her partner Peter Falconio. Falconio went missing and was later found murdered. Lees played a crucial role in identifying the attacker, Bradley John Murdoch, leading to his conviction. She wrote a book about her experience, which was adapted into a television film. Lees has since worked in various roles, including as a social worker and studying sociology. She continues to honor Falconio's memory and raise awareness about the case.
Nathaniel Lees
Maiava Nathaniel Lees (born 20 Jul 1952) is a New Zealand actor and director of Samoan descent. Known for roles in "The Matrix Reloaded," "The Matrix Revolutions," and "The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers," he has also appeared in TV series like "Power Rangers Jungle Fury." Lees has a long career in theatre and has received prestigious awards for his contributions to the arts. He continues to be a prominent figure in Pacific theatre in New Zealand, showcasing his talent both on screen and on stage.
Paris Lees
Paris Lees is an English author, journalist, presenter, and campaigner. She made history as the first trans columnist at Vogue and the first trans woman to present shows on BBC Radio 1 and Channel 4. Lees founded the first British magazine for the trans community, META, and has written for various newspapers and magazines. She is known for her activism in challenging transphobic media portrayals and promoting positive representations of transgender individuals. In 2021, Penguin published her memoir, "What It Feels Like For a Girl," detailing her life experiences and journey. Lees continues to be a prominent voice for the LGBTQ+ community in the UK and beyond.
Alex Lees
Alexander Zak Lees (born 14 Apr 1993) is an English professional cricketer known as Alex Lees. He plays for the England Test cricket team and Durham in domestic cricket, previously representing Yorkshire. Lees made his Test debut in 2022 as a left-handed opening batsman. In his career, he has achieved milestones like scoring centuries and being named Young Cricketer of the Year. Lees continues to excel in cricket, with notable performances in international and domestic matches, solidifying his reputation as a talented player.
Tom Lees
Thomas James Lees (born Nov 28, 1990) is an English professional footballer known for his time with Leeds United and Huddersfield Town. Making his mark as a centre-back, Lees impressed fans with his defensive skills and commitment to the game. He also represented England at the U21 level, showcasing his talent on an international stage. With a successful career in the EFL League One, Lees has become a respected figure in English football, earning accolades for his contributions to his teams.
All images displayed on this page are sourced from Wikipedia or Wikimedia Commons.We use these images under their respective Creative Commons or public domain licenses. Wherever applicable, author attributions and license information are provided. If you believe an image is used incorrectly or outside its license terms, please contact us so that we can review and correct the issue.