Surname Leak - Meaning and Origin

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Discovering my deep-rooted lineage through iGENEA DNA test was an enriching, emotional experience. It revealed the rich tapestry of my ancestry linked with the surname "Leak," tracing back to Northern Europe, fostering an empowering sense of unity, identity, and resilience.

M. Leak

Leak: What does the surname Leak mean?

The surname Leak is of Anglo-Saxon origin and is derived from the Old English personal name "Lacu." It could also be locational, from Leak in North Yorkshire, or from Leake, found in Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire, and North Yorkshire. More often, the name is topographical, representing someone residing near a brook or a stream, derived from the Old Norse word "læk," meaning a watercourse. It could also be occupational, for a servant or vassal, coming from the Old Danish term "leik," a play or sport which extended to mean a contest and later to a military campaign, hence a military follower. The surname has many spelling variations including Leake, Leek, Leeke, Leak, Leakey, Leekie, and others. The surname first appeared on record in the latter part of the 12th Century. Popularity of the surname Leak varied over time, and in the present day is most prevalent in the United States while it is also frequent in England with the highest concentration in South Yorkshire. Notable people with the surname Leak include, among others, a range of professional athletes.

Leak: Where does the name Leak come from?

The surname Leak has its origins in England. It's derived from the Old Norse word "lekr," meaning "leak" or "fissure." It was initially used as a topographic name for people who lived near a leaky or marshy area. In some instances, it may have originated from the medieval English given name, Lake, or a geographical abbreviation of Lincoln, derived from ‘Lincoln’s town'.

Today, the surname Leak is quite uncommon. However, it can be found sparingly throughout the United States, England, Australia, and Canada. Given that the name originated in England, a significant proportion of those with the surname still live there. According to Forebears, a site that tracks the prevalence of surnames worldwide, the highest prevalence of the name is in the United States, followed by England. Notably, in terms of density (the number of people with the surname per unit of population), the highest density is in Wales. Based on the data from the U.S Census Bureau, the last name Leak is most common among White and African American populations.

Variations of the surname Leak

The surname Leak is of English origins, primarily found in Northern England, especially in Yorkshire. Variations of the surname Leak may include Leake, Leek, Leeke, Leakes, Leeks, Leack, and Leakey.

Leak and its variants possibly derive from the Old Norse word "Læk" meaning brook or stream, or from the Old English word "leac" meaning herb. As with many surnames, Leak could also be a locational surname, originating from multiple places named Leake in the UK, such as in Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire, and North Yorkshire.

The variation Leakey is quite common, with some notable bearers such as the Leakey family of palaeoanthropologists, who made significant contributions to archaeology and understanding of human evolution.

Overall, however, Leak is a relatively uncommon surname, but its variations may trace back to a similar geographical region or refer to similar occupational or topographical origins. It's always encouraged to consider all potential variants when conducting genealogical research.

Famous people with the name Leak

• Kilo G Leak: American R&B singer.
• Jordan Leak: former American football offensive lineman.
• Marques Leak: former American NFL player.
• Eric Leak: former American NFL cornerback.
• Jason Leak: American football cornerback.
• Antoine Leak: American professional basketball player.
• Roy Leak: professional bowling player.
• John Leak: English professional cricket player.
• Devin Leak: American football cornerback.
• Emir Leak: tango dancer, performer and choreographer.
• Dave Leak: American professional golfer.
• Hal Leak:racing driver and grandfather of American actor Ben Affleck.
• Nkosiyazi Leak: South African politician.
• Terry Leak: former New Zealand cricket player.
• Will Leak: artist and author from Scotland.

Other surnames

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