Surname Lench - Meaning and Origin
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Lench: What does the surname Lench mean?
The surname Lench is of Anglo-Saxon origin and can be traced back to ancient times in Britain. It is a geographical or locational surname, which usually denotes that the original bearer of the name hailed from a place called Lench or Leech, in Worcestershire, England. The name itself is derived from an Old English term "hlinc", meaning "hill" or "ridge". Such names were often given, especially in the medieval period, based on the birthplace, residence or lands of an individual. Therefore, the surname Lench probably designated someone who lived or worked on or near a ridge.
Order DNA origin analysisLench: Where does the name Lench come from?
The last name Lench is of Anglo-Saxon origin and is likely derived from a place name. In England, there are several locations with similar names, such as Lench in Hertfordshire or the villages known as ‘the Lenches’ in Worcestershire. In Old English, ‘lench’ or ‘linch’, means ‘a bank’ or ‘ridge’.
This surname is not particularly common, so tracing its geographic prevalence can be somewhat difficult. However, as it originated in England, it is safe to assume that it is most prevalent there, particularly in the areas around Worcestershire and Hertfordshire. Some descendants with the last name Lench may also reside in other English-speaking countries due to patterns of migration and settlement. Still, due to its relative rarity, the Lench surname is not considered common in any particular region today.
Variations of the surname Lench
The surname Lench has several variants, alternative spellings, and related surnames with the same origin as it. Some of these alternative spellings include Lenche, Lench, Lynch, Lenchy and Lanch.
The name Lench originates from England and it's a locational surname, referring to several places in England named Lench, including Church Lench, Sheriffs Lench, and Atch Lench in Worcestershire. Lench may also be a derivation of the Gaelic name "O Loingsigh" which means “descendant of the mariner”.
The surname Lynch, a variant of Lench, is most common in Ireland. However, despite the commonality, Lynch and Lench are distinct, though they may have converged in spelling and pronunciation in some regions.
It's also worth noting that spelling variations were very common because the written word was not standardized in the English language until the late 15th century. Plus, scribes recorded names phonetically; hence different spellings of the same name can be traced back to a single person.
There might be also a Jewish variation of Lench - "Lenchner".
Variants of this surname are due to phonetical translations, regional dialects, and other influences.
Famous people with the name Lench
- Liberace: Born Wladziu Valentino Liberace, he was an American entertainer, musician, and actor whose flamboyant act included singing, playing the piano, and wearing over the top embellished outfits.
- Tanita Tikaram: She is a British singer/songwriter best known for her 1988 debut album "Ancient Heart".
- Anna Quayle: She is an English actress best known for her roles in musicals such as “Me and My Girl”.
- Maria Clemens: She is an English singer and songwriter.
- Don Lench: An American expert in corporate security and safety.
- Rachael Lench: She is a scientist and cofounder of the plant biology software company, Atand, Inc.
- Neil Edwards: He is a Welsh comics artist known for his work on the Marvel Comics series The Avengers.
- Tom Edwards: Also known as “Tomoki”, he is a British video game designer and composer.
- Florence Lench: She was an English map colorist and cartographer.
- Rosie Lench: She is a British poet and sculptor.