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Last Name Leyritz

What is the origin of the last name Leyritz?

The surname Leyritz is of French origin. It is derived from various place names found in France, such as Lezay, L'Isle, and Lestrange. These places are named after islands or rivers (Isle) or strongholds (Lestrange). The name was brought to England by the Normans following the conquest of 1066 and has been spelled in various ways over time, including Lezayris, Lezair, Lezereys, and Leyrise. The modern spelling, Leyritz, is a more anglicized version of these earlier forms.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Leyritz

The meaning and origin of the last name Leyritz

The surname Leyritz is of French origin, derived from various place names in northern France such as Lezaires in Calvados and Lezayres in Manche. These names are derived from the Old French word "lezaire," which means "leasing" or "rental." Over time, the spelling of the name has evolved due to regional variations and name-spelling changes during migration. The surname Leyritz may also have originated as a nickname for someone who was a renter or leaser of property. Notable individuals with this surname include Bernie Leyba (a Major League Baseball player) and David Leyva, known for his role in the video game industry.

Geographical distribution of the last name Leyritz

The surname Leyritz is predominantly found in France, particularly in the region of Normandy where it originated. Historically, it is associated with the town of Leyritz-en-Auge in Calvados department. Over time, French-speaking immigrants brought the name to various countries, notably the United States and Canada. In the U.S., a notable concentration of individuals with the surname Leyritz can be found in Louisiana, particularly in New Orleans and surrounding areas, due to the influx of Acadian (Cajun) settlers from Canada. The name is less frequent but still present in other parts of the world where French colonization occurred, such as Quebec, Belgium, and Haiti.

Variants and spellings of the last name Leyritz

The surname Leyritz has several variations and spellings, including Leyrise, Leiritz, Leirice, Layritz, Layriss, and Leyrick. These variations may have arisen due to differences in transcription or transliteration over time, regional dialects, and personal preferences. Some of these variants may be more common in certain geographical locations or among different ethnic groups with similar surname origins. The original French form of the name is thought to be "de La Héritte," meaning "of the inheritance." It's interesting to note that one notable figure with a variant of this surname is Bernie Lehair, a former Major League Baseball player.

Famous people with the last name Leyritz

Bernie Williams and Dave Leyot are notable individuals with the surname Leyritz in sports. Both are former Major League Baseball players. Bernie Williams played as an outfielder for the New York Yankees from 1991 to 2006, earning five World Series championships during his career and being inducted into the Hispanic Heritage Baseball Museum and Hall of Fame. Dave Leyot, on the other hand, had a professional baseball career spanning from 1987 to 2003. He played for teams such as the New York Yankees, California Angels, and Florida Marlins. Leyot was particularly known for his game-winning home run in Game 4 of the 1996 World Series, which helped the Yankees win the championship that year. While both are famous for their baseball careers, they have distinct achievements and are recognized for their respective contributions to the sport.

Genealogical research on the last name Leyritz

The Leyritz surname originates from France and is believed to have derived from various locations such as Leyrit, located in the Gers region, and Leyrit-in-Astarac in Haute-Garonne. The name is also associated with other regions like Normandy and Brittany, indicating a possible migration of bearers over time. Notable figures with this surname include Bernie Lehritz, an American professional baseball player who played for several Major League Baseball (MLB) teams, and Claude Leyrit, a French politician and journalist. The family name has various spellings including Le Hir, Le Hirt, L'Hir, and Lehir, reflecting the linguistic variations over centuries.

Last name distribution maps

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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 : 30 July 2025

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