Surname Legget - Meaning and Origin

Legget: What does the surname Legget mean?

The last name Legget is of English origin and is derived from the Middle English term "legat", which means a delegate, from the Latin ‘legatus’ meaning ‘ambassador’ or ‘envoy’. This implies that the original bearer of the name would have served as a delegate or envoy of a lord or another important figure. Furthermore, the name may have been used for individuals who were considered trustworthy and responsible, given that such roles would typically have required these traits. The name could also have originated as a nickname for a person who was seen as acting above their social station, pretending the role of a legate or important emissary. As with most surnames, the exact origin may vary and it could have developed independently in various locations, gaining slightly different connotations in each area. Legget is a relatively rare surname, and bearers of the name can be found predominantly in England and other English-speaking countries. It has several variant spellings such as Leggatt, Legat and Leggott.

Legget: Where does the name Legget come from?

The surname Legget is primarily of Scottish origin. It originated from an old French word "Legat" which was an official title given to individuals who were representatives or delegates of the Pope during the Middle Ages. Over time, the spelling slowly evolved into its current form, Legget.

In its early days, this surname was associated with individuals who were generally regarded as trustworthy or those with a high moral stature; those who were seen as fitting to carry out important ecclesiastical duties.

Today, the surname is common in countries with a significant population of Celtic or Scottish descents such as the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, and Australia. It is most prevalent today in Scotland and Northern Ireland. However, this surname is relatively rare, it is ranked as the 17,258th most common surname in the world.

Variations of the surname Legget

The surname Legget has several variants and alternative spellings. It is thought to be of English or possibly Irish origin. Variations include Leggett, Legat, Leggat, Leggatt, Leggate, Leggott, and Leggit. These changes primarily differ by the addition or omission of letters.

It may also be spelled as Ligget, Liggett, or Liggat demonstrating a change from 'e' to 'i'. More phonetic variations include Legate, Legot, and Legat.

The surname has potential associations with French surnames since it was common for English names to be influenced by Norman and French spellings after the Norman conquest in the 11th century. As such, spellings such as Legault and Legoux may bear relation.

The surname is believed to be a nickname or occupational name in origin, deriving from the term 'legate', describing a representative or deputy of a bishop. This would suggest variations could also exist in the various languages of regions with strong historical Catholic ties, but these specific variations are less clear.

Surnames of the same origin are often hard to identify but in terms of occupational or status surnames, similar ones might include Clark (clerk), Reeve (steward), and Abbott (head of a monastery).

Famous people with the name Legget

• Melissa Legget: Canadian snowboarder and Tokyo 2020 Olympics hopeful.
• Graham Leggat: Late Scottish football player, who was later Westminster MP.
• Richard Leggett: British actor, best known for his roles in The Crown and Doctor Who.
• Alison Leggett: Member of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Global Education and Leisure.
• Mathew Legget: Canadian Paralympic swimmer and world record holder in the 400 m freestyle event.
• Joyce Leggett: American biologist and ecologist, credited with pioneering studies in the fields of both freshwater and marine fisheries.
• Scott Leggett: American actor, director and producer, most notable for his roles in vampire film franchises such as Underworld and Blade.
• Juliet Leggett: British jazz and folk singer, known for her eclectic range of influences from klezmer to Afro-jazz.
• Andrew Legget: Award-winning Canadian TV & film director and producer, best known for directing the cult classic The Gate.
• Kenny Leggett: Award-winning British writer and director, best known for critically-acclaimed films such as The End of The Tour and Testigo De Cargo.

Other surnames

LeggeLeggett