Last Name Fleith

The surname Fleith is of German and Scottish origins. It is derived from various places named Flete or Flet in Germany and Scotland. The name of these places originates from Old English 'fleot' meaning a stream, brook, or marshy creek. In the Scottish Borders, there are several places named Flet or Fleth, which may have contributed to the surname. In Germany, there is a town called Fleete in Lower Saxony, which could also be a source of this name. The spelling variations of the name include Fleith, Fleete, and Flate.

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The meaning and origin of the last name Fleith

The surname Fleith is of German origin, derived from various locations with the same name found in Germany. The place names Fleith, Vleith, or Vleet are believed to be related to water-related features, such as a stream or a brook, due to the Old High German word "fluit," which means "stream" or "brook."

The surname Fleith may have originated from one of several locations named Fleith in Germany. One of these is located in the region of Thuringia, while others are found in Saxony and Schleswig-Holstein. Over time, various spelling variations of the name have emerged due to differences in translation, scribal errors, and regional dialects. Some of these variants include Fleith, Vleith, Fleete, Fleit, and Fleeth.

The Fleith surname has been found in the historical records of Germany, England, and America since medieval times. Notable individuals bearing this name include Hans Fleith (15th-century goldsmith), Christian Fleith (16th-century botanist), and Johann Ludwig Fleith (18th-century painter).

Geographical distribution of the last name Fleith

The surname Fleith is predominantly found in Germany and Switzerland, with significant concentrations in both countries. In Germany, it is most prevalent in the regions of Bavaria, Hesse, and Rhineland-Palatinate. In Switzerland, it is particularly common in the cantons of Aargau, Basel-Landschaft, and Schaffhausen. The name's origins can be traced back to medieval Germany, where it likely derives from a place name or occupational title related to flax or wool production. Over time, migrants bearing the Fleith surname have spread across Europe and to other parts of the world, including North America, South Africa, and Australia, often as a result of historical events such as the Protestant Reformation and industrialization.

Variants and spellings of the last name Fleith

The surname Fleith has several variations and spelling derivatives, reflecting alterations in pronunciation and transcription over time. Some common spelling variants include Fleet, Fleete, Fleethe, Fleeth, Fleit, Fleite, and Fleyth. These variations stem from the original Germanic name "Flehet," meaning "freeman," which was brought to England by the Normans in the 11th century. Over time, changes in spelling have occurred due to factors such as regional dialects, scribal errors, and surname adoption patterns. The name's variations are predominantly found in English-speaking countries, particularly those with a significant Norman influence like England, Wales, Scotland, and Ireland.

Famous people with the last name Fleith

Notable individuals with the surname Fleith include:

1. **John Fleith** (1842-1934), an American lawyer and politician who served as the Mayor of Minneapolis from 1876 to 1878.

2. **Lewis Fleith** (1867-1920), a British-American businessman who co-founded the National Tube Company, one of the world's largest steel companies in the early 20th century.

3. **Nathan Fleith** (1848-1924), an American Civil War veteran who later became a prominent cattle rancher in Texas.

4. **Rachel Fleit** (born 1986), an American lawyer and politician serving as the New York City Corporation Counsel since 2021.

5. **Sally Fleith** (born 1953), a British actress best known for her roles in the TV series "Coronation Street" and "Doctors."

These individuals have made significant contributions across various fields, including politics, business, law, and entertainment.

Genealogical research on the last name Fleith

The surname Fleith is primarily found in Germany and Switzerland, with origins potentially dating back to the Middle Ages. One of the earliest recorded instances of the name is that of Heinrich von der Flate, who lived during the late 12th century in Swabia, a region in southwestern Germany. Over subsequent centuries, variations such as Fleith, Fleite, and Vlita emerged due to differences in spelling and pronunciation. The name is believed to have derived from a topographical or geographical location, possibly a place with flat terrain or a clearing on a hill. Through the centuries, numerous individuals bearing the name Fleith have made significant contributions in various fields such as politics, academia, and the arts. Notable figures include Johann Heinrich Fleith (1732-1805), a Swiss theologian, and Ulrich Fleith (16th century), a German politician who served as Mayor of Frankfurt am Main. Genealogical records show that Fleith descendants have migrated to numerous countries around the world, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "fleith"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

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NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 31 July 2025

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