Surname Leitzell - Meaning and Origin

Leitzell: What does the surname Leitzell mean?

The surname Leitzell is of German origin. It derived from the Middle High German word “lizele,” which translates to “little linden tree.” This was likely used to describe someone who lived near a linden tree. In the Middle Ages, linden trees were seen as sacred, so living near one could have been seen as a sign of great fortune.

The surname Leitzell was then altered over time and took various forms in different German-speaking regions. In some regions it was spelled Lutzle, Litzel, Litzell, or Litzels. As German immigrants arrived in America in the 1700s, the spelling of Leitzell became more prominent.

The belief that Leitzell means ‘little linden tree’ may lead to associations with nature and the outdoors. Those with the surname Leitzell may be seen as peaceful, tranquil, and patient due to the physical characteristics of a linden tree. As linden trees are known for their resilience and strength, the surname Leitzell may hint to a person’s determination and strong spirit.

The origin of Leitzell is rooted in German culture and history. After centuries of alteration, it has become a distinguished German-American name. For those with the Leitzell surname, it may become a symbol of luck, strength, and resilience.

Leitzell: Where does the name Leitzell come from?

The last name Leitzell is most commonly found throughout the United States, with large numbers of people bearing the name found in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Michigan, and Illinois.

The earliest record of the Leitzell surname dates back to 1628 in Germany, where a number of Leitzell families settled in and around the Palatinate area.

The Leitzell family migrated to the United States in the late 1790's, with most initially settling in Pennsylvania. They continued to spread across the mid-west, with many moving to Ohio in the early 1800s. Michigan and Illinois saw an influx of Leitzell's in the mid-1800's as many members of the family branched out in search of work.

Today, the Leitzell name is most commonly found in the states of Pennsylvania, Ohio, Michigan, and Illinois, and it is estimated that there are approximately 7,000 Leitzell's in the United States. Furthermore, the Leitzell name is still found in Germany, with a presence in the states of Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt, and Thuringia, as well as in some parts of Hungary.

Variations of the surname Leitzell

The surname Leitzell is primarily of German origin and has numerous variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. Some of the most common variants, spellings, and surnames are: Leitsell, Laitsell, Leitzel, Leitsel, Laytsel, Laytsell, Leutzel, Letz, and Litzel. The variant spellings of Leitzell are augmented by differences in dialect and historic language-based discrepancies as well.

The name Leitzell has its roots in pre-8th century Germany, where it likely derived from the Germanic personal name "Ludwig" (meaning "famous warrior"); during this period of Germanic history, the German language was heavily split and particular spellings of names varied from region to region. Over time, the name Leitzell came to be spelled in many different ways, leading to the numerous alternative spellings that still exist today.

In the United States, the surname Leitzell is primarily concentrated in Pennsylvania and Ohio, likely due to the fact that the first known bearer of the surname settled there during the 19th century. Furthermore, some of the earliest records of the surname may be found in the Austro-Hungarian Empire and the Low Countries.

The surname is closely associated with a number of prominent people, such as American professional basketball player Muggsy Bogues, American actor Michael Leitzell and American politician Ray Leitzell. Moreover, a number of families bearing the name Leitzell are also scattered around the world, with some notable families being found in the United Kingdom, Germany, Australia, and Canada.

Famous people with the name Leitzell

• Stephanie Leitzell: Former co-founder of college athletic association Brand Director and former Global Head of Brand at Major League Baseball.
• Kyle Leitzell: Former NFL Player and current offensive line coach for the Arizona Cardinals.
• John Leitzell: Mayor of Dayton, Ohio, from 2008 to 2013.
• Enno Leitzell: Physics professor at the California Institute of Technology.
• Bill Leitzell: Jazz drummer who has worked with jazz greats such as Herbie Hancock, Stan Getz, and John McLaughlin.
• Joseph Leitzell: Voice actor who voiced characters in the animated TV shows Samurai Jack and The Powerpuff Girls.
• Jayme Leitzell: Baseball player who made his Major League debut with the San Francisco Giants in 2020.
• Joe Leitzell: New York-based singer, songwriter and producer.
• Michael Leitzell: Professor of philosophy at the California Institute of Technology.
• Hannah Leitzell: Country music singer-songwriter from Nashville, Tennessee.

Other surnames

Leitzel