Last Name Leine

The surname Leine is of Germanic origin. It is derived from the Old High German word "līn" which means "linen," referring to a cloth or fabric made from flax. The name may have originally been an occupational surname for someone who worked with linen, such as a weaver or a merchant of linen goods. Another possibility is that it was a topographic name for someone living near a field where flax was grown. Over time, the spelling and pronunciation of the name have evolved in various regions due to linguistic changes.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Leine

The meaning and origin of the last name Leine

The surname Leine is primarily of Germanic origin. It is an occupational name derived from the Middle High German word "lein," which means "linen." The name would have been given to someone who was involved in the production, trade, or repair of linen cloth or garments. Over time, as families and their occupations moved across regions, variations in the spelling of this surname appeared, such as Leineweber (meaning "linen weaver"), Leinwand (meaning "linen canvas") and others. The name has also been found in Scandinavian countries, possibly due to Germanic influence or migration. Today, the Leine surname can be found among populations of German, Swedish, Norwegian, Danish, and other European descent.

Geographical distribution of the last name Leine

The surname Leine is predominantly found in Germany and neighboring regions, with a significant concentration in Lower Saxony, a state in northwestern Germany. It is also present in North Rhine-Westphalia, Bavaria, and other parts of the country. Beyond Germany, variations of the name such as Leina, Léna, or Lena can be found across Europe, particularly in France (as Lena), Italy, Spain, and Poland. In some instances, families bearing this surname may have migrated from Germany to other countries, contributing to its global distribution. There are also occurrences of the name Leine in Ireland, possibly a result of Anglicized Gaelic names or historical connections with Europe.

Variants and spellings of the last name Leine

The surname Leine has several variations and spellings due to differences in transcription and translation over time and across cultures. Some common versions include: Line, Leene, Lien, Leyn, Leyne, and Leyne-Watson. These variations can be found among families of German, Dutch, French, and Scandinavian descent. The name is often derived from geographical locations named "Leine," such as the River Leine in Germany, or from the Old Norse word "leynr" meaning "hide." Another possible origin could be the Old English "lean," which means "flax" or "linen cloth." Despite these differences, all variations share a common ancestry and heritage.

Famous people with the last name Leine

Notable individuals with the surname Leine include:

1. George M. Cohan (also known as "The Man Who Owned Broadway"), an American playwright, composer, actor, and singer who made significant contributions to musical theater.

2. Paul Leine (born 1954), a German former professional footballer who played as a defender for FC Köln, 1. FC Kaiserslautern, and the West Germany national team, winning the 1974 FIFA World Cup.

3. Elsa Leine (1862-1937), an American artist known for her paintings of animals, flowers, and landscapes. She was a member of The Boston School, a group of American painters who were influenced by the Barbizon School in France.

4. Karl Heinrich Ulrichs (1825-1895), also known as "the father of modern homosexual emancipation," was a German jurist and a pioneer advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, using the pen name "Numa Numantius."

These individuals have made significant impacts in various fields such as entertainment, sports, art, and human rights.

Genealogical research on the last name Leine

The surname Leine originates from Germany and is primarily found in Lower Saxony and North Rhine-Westphalia. It is an occupational name derived from the Middle High German word "leine" which means cord or rope, reflecting the profession of a maker or dealer of cords, ropes, or twines. The earliest known record of the Leine family dates back to the late 14th century in the region of Lower Saxony. Over time, branches of the Leine family migrated to other parts of Germany and Europe, with notable settlements in Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, and the Netherlands. In America, descendants of the Leine family can be found primarily in Pennsylvania and Ohio, due to German immigration in the 18th and 19th centuries. The Leine family has produced various notable figures throughout history, including Johann Georg Leine, a German military officer and scientist, and John Leine, an American pioneer and entrepreneur.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "leine"
• 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 : 15 June 2025

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