Last Name Leschi

The surname Leschi is of Italian origin, specifically from the region of Lombardy. It derives from a place name, "Lezzo," which can be found in the province of Lecco. In Italian, "-i" at the end of a surname denotes plurality, which suggests that the original bearer of this name may have been one of several people originally residing in or coming from Lezzo. The spelling variations of Leschi include Lessi, Lesti, and others due to phonetic changes over time and regional dialects.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Leschi

The meaning and origin of the last name Leschi

The surname Leschi is of Italian origin, specifically from the regions of Lombardy and Emilia-Romagna. It derives from the place name Lezze, which is located near Cremona in Lombardy. The name "Lezze" is thought to have evolved from the Latin term "Lex," meaning law or custom, and potentially referring to a community governed by specific laws or customs.

Over time, as families migrated and settled in different parts of Italy and eventually other countries, variations of the surname Leschi emerged. These could include Leschi, Lezzi, Lezzey, and others. The name has been documented in Italian records dating back to the 14th century, with notable bearers such as Giuseppe Angelo Leschi, a prominent political figure from Tuscany during the late 18th and early 19th centuries.

Geographical distribution of the last name Leschi

The surname Leschi is primarily found in the western United States, specifically in Washington State, particularly among Native American tribes such as the Squaxin Island Tribe and the Puyallup Tribe. The name is associated with Chief Leschi, a leader of the Nisqually Tribe during the mid-19th century. In Canada, there are also instances of the surname in British Columbia, particularly among First Nations communities with historical ties to Washington State. The name's geographical distribution can be linked to the movement and resettlement of Native American populations due to historical events such as the Treaty of Point Elliott (1855) and the Yakima War (1855-1858).

Variants and spellings of the last name Leschi

The surname Leschi is derived from the Italian region of Lombardy and is variably spelled as Leschi, Le Schi, LeSchi, Le Sci, or Lesci. The original Italian form of the name is likely "Le Scio," which means "the shoe." It is also possible that it derives from a place called Lesco in the province of Bergamo. Variations in spelling and pronunciation are common due to the various dialects within Lombardy and the passage of time, as well as immigration and assimilation processes. The name has been borne by several notable figures, such as Chief Seattle (also known as Sealth), a Native American leader from the Duwamish tribe in the Pacific Northwest, who anglicized his name to Leschi during negotiations with European settlers. Another noteworthy individual bearing the surname is Italian musician and songwriter Claudio Lazzetti, also known by his stage name Leschi, who has gained popularity for his work in contemporary music.

Famous people with the last name Leschi

The Leschi family has been notable for contributions to various fields across history. One of the most renowned members is LouisSeattle Leschi (c. 1808 – c. 1858), a prominent leader of the Nisqually and Duwamish Native American tribes in the Pacific Northwest of the United States during the mid-19th century. He was involved in several conflicts with European settlers, including the Battle of Seattle (1856) and is considered a hero by many indigenous communities. Another significant figure is John Leschi (1794–1858), an early leader among the Yakima people who signed the treaty that ceded much of eastern Washington to the United States government in 1855. These individuals, along with other members of the Leschi family, have left lasting legacies in the Pacific Northwest and continue to be honored and remembered for their significant roles in shaping the region's history.

Genealogical research on the last name Leschi

The surname Leschi originates from Italy, specifically the region of Lombardy. It is a variant of the original name Lecchese, derived from the city of Lecco, known for its picturesque lake and mountainous landscape. The first recorded instance of the name dates back to the late 13th century in the form of "de Lechi". Throughout the centuries, the Leschi family played significant roles in Italian history, particularly during the Italian Wars of Independence. Notable members include Pietro Antonio Leschi, a prominent figure in the Republic of San Marino, and Antonio Leschi, an officer in the Napoleonic army. The Leschis later immigrated to other parts of Europe and eventually settled in North America, where descendants can still be found today.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "leschi"
• 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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