Last Name Leda

The surname Leda is of Greek origin and is derived from a character in Greek mythology. In Greek mythology, Leda was a queen of Sparta and the wife of Tyndareus. She was the mother of Helen, Clytemnestra, Castor, and Pollux by Zeus, who took the form of a swan to seduce her while she was a mortal. The name Leda is believed to be derived from the Greek word "leipo," which means "to leave." It may also be related to the word "ledon," meaning "clear-voiced," which was thought to be an epithet of the swan who fathered Leda's children. The surname Leda is relatively rare, but it can be found in various parts of Europe, particularly in Greece and England.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Leda

The meaning and origin of the last name Leda

The surname Leda is of Greek origin, derived from the name of the mythological figure Leda in Greek mythology. In the myth, Leda was a Spartan queen who was seduced by Zeus in the form of a swan and later laid two sets of eggs from which hatched Helen of Troy and Polydeuces (also known as Pollux) and their twin siblings Clytemnestra and Castor. Over time, the name Leda has been adopted as a surname among individuals of Greek descent or those with connections to Greece. The name is also found in other forms, such as Ledda, Ledée, and Ledáková, reflecting its adaptation to various languages and cultures.

Geographical distribution of the last name Leda

The surname Leda is primarily distributed across various regions of Europe, with the highest concentrations found in Greece and Portugal. In Greece, it is predominantly found in the western part of the country, particularly in the islands of Cephalonia and Ithaca, where it is traditionally associated with the mythological figure Leda from Greek mythology. In Portugal, the surname Leda is more evenly distributed across the country, although there are higher occurrences in some regions such as Lisbon and the Alentejo. Other countries with notable numbers of individuals bearing the name Leda include Spain, Italy, England, and Scotland, suggesting possible migration patterns from Greece to these regions. The surname Leda is less common in other parts of the world but can be found among populations of Greek or Portuguese descent in other continents.

Variants and spellings of the last name Leda

The surname Leda has various spellings and variations across different regions and languages. In English, it is commonly spelled as Leda. However, there are also other forms, such as Ledae or Leada.

In some instances, the name might be slightly altered due to linguistic or phonetic changes over time. For example, in German, it could be written as Ledae (Feminine) or Ledebur (Noble). In Dutch, it is spelled as Leda or Leida.

It's essential to note that these variations may not always be interchangeable, as they can have different origins and meanings depending on the region or language. For example, Ledebur is a German-Nordic surname derived from the name of a place, while Leda could have Greek roots, originating from the mythological figure of Leda, who was the wife of Tyndareus and mother of Helen and Castor and Pollux in Greek mythology.

In summary, the surname Leda can be spelled as Leda, Ledae, Leada, Ledebur (in German), or Leida (in Dutch). Each variation may have its unique history and significance.

Famous people with the last name Leda

The Leda family is not extensively known for having many globally famous members compared to other surnames. However, there are notable figures associated with this name:

1. Leda Schubert (1937-2014), an American actress who played a minor role in the film "The Graduate" and was a regular on television shows such as "Bonanza," "Gunsmoke," and "Perry Mason."

2. Leda Stjepanovic, a political strategist and former executive director of Emily's List, an American political action committee that raises funds to support pro-choice Democratic women candidates for office. She is also a commentator on MSNBC.

3. Leda Himal (born 1984), a German actress known for her work in television series like "Tatort" and films such as "Der Baader Meinhof Komplex."

While these individuals have achieved success in their respective fields, the Leda family is not typically associated with a significant number of widely recognized figures.

Genealogical research on the last name Leda

The surname Leda originates from ancient Greek mythology, associated with the mythological figure Leda, who was the queen of Sparta and the mother of Helen and Castor and Pollux by Zeus. As a patronymic name, Leda is derived from the father's first name, which in this case was Thestios.

The surname Leda has been found in various countries, with significant populations in Greece, where it is one of the most common surnames. It is also prevalent among Greek communities in other parts of Europe and the Americas, particularly in countries like the United States and Australia.

In terms of genealogical records, early mentions can be traced back to the Byzantine Empire, but extensive research into family trees dates primarily from the 19th and 20th centuries when more formal record-keeping was implemented. Genealogists often suggest exploring church and civil records, as well as migration lists, to trace Leda lineages effectively.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

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

About the author :

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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