Leftwich
A surname taken from Leftwich in Cheshire, England, originally identifying someone who came from that place.
The #8,822 most common surname in the United States (2010 Census) — about 1 in every 83,175 Americans shares it.
Etymology
Leftwich is a locational surname from Leftwich in Cheshire. The name is built from Old English elements, usually understood as a personal-name element plus wīc, meaning a settlement, dwelling place, or dairy farm. In practice, the surname simply meant “from Leftwich,” after the place itself.
History
The surname appears in early records in Cheshire and remained closely tied to that county. Later references show bearers in other parts of England and, eventually, in North America. As with many English locational surnames, it was adopted by families who had moved away from the original village or estate.
Origin
Regions
Variant spellings
Fun fact
The name is uncommon today but has a long paper trail in Cheshire records, where it appears in wills and other early documents.
From the historical record
“In the time of the Dulve of Alva's Persecutions." LEFTWICH. A place in Cheshire. LEGARD. LEGEARD. LEGUARD. Fr. le garde, the guard, Iveeper, or warden; one who secures or preserves. The baronet's family are of great anti- quity in Yorkshire. They are said to have become possessed of Anlaby in that shu'e as early as…”
— Patronymica Britannica: a dictionary of the family names of the United Kingdom