Last Name Leipold

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

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Leipold"
• 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 : 11 June 2025