NomOrigine Background

Last Name Leipold

What is the origin of the last name Leipold?

The surname Leipold is of German origin. It derives from a place name called Leipoldiswalde, located near the town of Bautzen in Saxony, Germany. The name translates to "Leipold's clearing" or "settlement," with "Leipold" being an old personal name derived from the elements leub- (popular, favorite) and bald (bold, daring). As was common in medieval Europe, people often took their occupations or the name of their village as a surname to distinguish themselves from others. In this case, someone who lived at Leipoldiswalde would have taken the name Leipold.

Unlock and discover the hidden secrets of the surname Leipold

Unlock the Secrets of Your Surname Now

For only 3.95 $, you get:

  • Full access for 7 days
  • Unlimited access to all name and surname profiles
  • High-quality Origin Certificate
  • Download: Keep a precious memory with your origins downloadable in PDF format.
  • Unlimited search
  • Ad-Free: Enjoy a smooth and uninterrupted user experience.
  • ✅ 15-Day Money-Back Satisfaction Guarantee!
Unlock the Secrets of Your Surname Now
🎁 Special offer today: 3.95 $ instead of 6.95 $
⏳ This exclusive offer expires in:

✅ 15-Day Money-Back Satisfaction Guarantee!

What our users say

“I discovered fascinating details about my family history. This service is amazing for tracing our roots!” - Jean D.

“This site strengthened our sense of family belonging by uncovering our origins. Highly recommended!” - Marie L.

“The information was detailed and accurate. I learned interesting facts about my ancestors. A must-have!” - Paul S.

✅ Join the 5,000+ people who have already discovered the fascinating history of their last name!

Discover my family history now

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: What will I discover by exploring my last name?
Answer: You will discover the geographical origin, etymology, and unique history of your last name. You can also explore family traditions and historical events connected to it.

Question: How long does it take to access the information?
Answer: Once your payment is confirmed, access is instant. You can start exploring right away.

Question: Are the details about my last name accurate?
Answer: Our data comes from extensive research in reliable archives and historical databases. While we cannot guarantee 100% accuracy, we strive to provide the most complete and precise information possible.

Payment Information

or pay by card

By clicking 'Confirm my payment', you agree to our refund policy, accessible via this link: Refund Policy, as well as our cancellation policy accessible via this link: Cancellation Policy

Learn more about the origin of the last name Leipold

The meaning and origin of the last name Leipold

The surname Leipold is of German origin, deriving from the Old High German "Leih" (loan) and "pahl" (yard), indicating a person who lived near or had rights to a loaned or rented piece of land. This surname has been recorded in various spellings over the centuries, including Leupold, Liepold, and Leipoldt, reflecting the regional dialects of Germany during the Middle Ages. The name became more common in regions such as Swabia, Bavaria, and Thuringia, where it was brought by German settlers to various parts of Europe, including Switzerland, Austria, and Eastern Europe. Over time, the spelling evolved into its current form, Leipold, and it has been carried by notable figures throughout history, such as Johann Georg Leipold, a prominent composer during the Baroque period. Today, the surname Leipold can be found across the globe, particularly in countries with a significant German diaspora.

Geographical distribution of the last name Leipold

The surname Leipold is predominantly found in Central and Eastern Europe, particularly Germany, Austria, and the Czech Republic, due to its Germanic origins. However, it has also been recorded in other parts of Europe, such as France, Switzerland, and Poland, where German-speaking populations have historically resided. In recent times, members of the Leipold family have migrated to various countries around the world, with significant populations found in North America, Australia, and New Zealand, largely due to post-World War II immigration. The distribution of the surname Leipold is therefore multinational, reflecting historical migrations and global movements.

Variants and spellings of the last name Leipold

The surname Leipold possesses several variations and spellings due to differences in transcription over time and across different countries. Some common alterations include Leipoldt, Leybold, Liebold, Leypold, and Lepold. These variations can be found among people of German ancestry, as the name is originally derived from Germany. It may also appear as Leopold in some cases, which is a more widespread variant with its own set of variations, such as Laipold or Leypoldt. Additionally, it's worth noting that surnames like Leipoldske, Leipolde, and Leipoldova are possible Slavicized forms of the name, reflecting the historical influences between Germanic and Slavic populations in certain regions.

Famous people with the last name Leipold

Notable individuals with the surname Leipold include:

1. Richard Leipold (born 1948), an American mathematician and computer scientist known for his contributions to theoretical computer science, particularly in the area of automata theory. He is a professor at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).

2. David J. Leipold (born 1960), an American lawyer who served as the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Consular Affairs under President Donald Trump from January 2017 to March 2018. He previously worked at the Department of Homeland Security and was an adjunct professor at George Washington University Law School.

3. Mark Leipold (born 1965), a Canadian ice hockey defenseman who played in the National Hockey League (NHL) for the St. Louis Blues, Minnesota North Stars, New Jersey Devils, and Edmonton Oilers between 1987 and 1995.

4. Christoph Leipold (born 1963), a German economist who is a professor at the Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin. He specializes in macroeconomics and monetary economics, particularly central banking issues.

These individuals have made significant contributions in their respective fields, showcasing the versatility and accomplishments of those with the surname Leipold.

Genealogical research on the last name Leipold

The surname Leipold originated from Germany and is associated with several notable historical figures. It is believed to have derived from various locations in Germany, notably Leipzig and other towns bearing similar names. In medieval times, many Germans began using surnames as a way to differentiate themselves from others in their growing communities. One early bearer of the name was Arnold Leybold, a knight mentioned in records from around 1260. Other notable Leipolds include Johann Christoph Leipold (1749-1815), a German composer and conductor, and Wilhelmine von Leipoldt (1837-1904), a South African writer and poet. The surname Leipold is also found in North America, with the first known arrival being Andreas Leipold who immigrated to Pennsylvania in 1752. Today, variations of the name are spread across the globe, reflecting its long and varied history.

Last name distribution maps

Chargement de la carte...

Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
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 : 11 June 2025

Share the origin of your last name with your friends

Search the origin of a family name

Enter the surname you are looking for below:

Similar Last Names

Lei (Last name)

surnames > lei

The surname Lei (also spelled Leigh) is of Old English origin. It was originally a place name derived from "leah," which meant "clearing" or "woodland glade." Over time, it came to...

Leiba (Last name)

surnames > leiba

The last name "Leiba" is of Ashkenazic Jewish origin. It is believed to be derived from the Hebrew name "Levi", which was the name of one of the twelve tribes of Israel. Members of...

Leibar (Last name)

surnames > leibar

The surname Leibar is of Basque origin, specifically from the Basque region of Spain. It is believed to be derived from the Basque word "leiba," meaning "meadow" or "field." This s...

Leidemer (Last name)

surnames > leidemer

The last name "Leidemer" is of German origin. It is believed to be a topographic name for someone who lived near a meadow, derived from the Middle High German word "Leit," meaning ...

Leidenberger (Last name)

surnames > leidenberger

The last name Leidenberger is of German origin. It is derived from the combination of the words "leiden" meaning "to suffer" and "berger" meaning "mountain." Therefore, the surname...

Leifer (Last name)

surnames > leifer

The surname Leifer is of German origin. It is derived from the Middle High German "leif" meaning "help" or "aid," and "-er" which can denote a profession or occupation. In this cas...

Leiker (Last name)

surnames > leiker

The surname Leiker originates from Germany and is derived from various places named "Leikersmühle" or "Leiker" found in the German states of Hesse, Rhineland-Palatinate, and North...

Leila kasim (Last name)

surnames > leila-kasim

The last name "Leila Kasim" is of Arabic origin. "Leila" means "night" in Arabic, while "Kasim" can be interpreted as a variation of the name "Qasim," meaning "one who divides or d...

Leilani (Last name)

surnames > leilani

The last name Leilani likely originates from Hawaiian and Polynesian languages. It is a given name in Hawaiian meaning "heavenly lei" or "royal child." The name is commonly used as...

Leimig (Last name)

surnames > leimig

The origin of the last name "Leimig" is not definitively clear. It is likely of German origin, as it bears resemblance to other German surnames. In Germany, surnames often have mea...

Leine (Last name)

surnames > 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 or...

Leinn (Last name)

surnames > leinn

The last name Leinn is of German origin, deriving from the Middle High German word "lehen" meaning "feudal estate" or "feudal tenure." It is believed to have originated as a surnam...

Leipnitz (Last name)

surnames > leipnitz

The last name "Leipnitz" is of German origin. It is derived from the town of Leipzig, a city in Saxony, Germany. The name may have originally referred to someone who came from or l...

Leiria (Last name)

surnames > leiria

The last name Leiria originates from Portugal. It is derived from the city of Leiria in central Portugal. It is a habitational surname, indicating that the original bearer was from...

Leisegang (Last name)

surnames > leisegang

The last name Leisegang is of German origin. It is derived from the given name Liese, a variant of Elisabeth, combined with the Middle High German word "ganc," meaning "walk" or "p...