Surname Leicester - Meaning and Origin
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Leicester: What does the surname Leicester mean?
The surname Leicester is of Anglo-Saxon origin and is a locational name, derived from the place named Leicester in England. The place name itself comes from the Old English words "Ligore" and "ceaster", where "Ligore" was the name of a Celtic tribe and "ceaster" related to Roman towns or settlements, as it derived from the Latin "castra" meaning fort or camp. Thus, the surname Leicester essentially means 'Roman fort of the Ligore tribe'. It should be noted that the pronunciation of this surname is actually 'Lester' despite the spelling. Over time, it has been subject to many variances in spelling such as Leicestre, Leycester, and Lester, among others. The surname dates back to the late 12th Century and many notable people bear this surname, including the Earls of Leicester from ancient British nobility.
Order DNA origin analysisLeicester: Where does the name Leicester come from?
The surname Leicester is of Anglo-Saxon origin and is a locational name derived from the city of Leicester in England. The name has been traced back to the Roman period, coming from the Latin “castra” (camp) through the Old English “ceaster” (Roman town) & “Ligore” (the original Brittonic tribe of the area). It was originally called "Ligora-ceastre" which eventually became Leicester.
The surname itself signifies 'of Leicester'. During the Middle Ages people often took their town or village name as a surname, especially upon moving from their place of origin to another area. The surname started to be recorded in the late 13th Century.
Today, the surname Leicester is not particularly common in any specific region worldwide. It can be found in varying numbers in the UK, the US, Australia, and other English-speaking countries. Given its deep roots in English history, it is likely most common in England, particularly around Leicester and other parts of the Midlands. But due to the patterns of emigration over centuries, the name has been dispersed across English-speaking countries globally.
Variations of the surname Leicester
The surname Leicester has its origins in England and is often associated with the city and county of the same name in the East Midlands. Variants or similar spellings of Leicester could include Leister, Lestor, Lecester and Lester. The latter, Lester, is the most common alternative spelling that is often used in non-British English speaking countries.
The surname might also be indirectly linked with or derive from other surnames that reference geographical place names in England. This could include Lycester, Liecester, Leceister, or Lecister. The surname is originally derived from the old English "Ligore", the name of a Celtic river, combined with "ceaster" meaning a Roman town or city, hence suggesting the name means 'Roman Town on the River Ligore.' This points to the fact that family names often connected to locations or professions during their first usage.
Therefore, the surname variants and similar surnames for Leicester could have several different spellings depending on geographical location and local pronunciation. Please note that not all variations may be very commonly used, and some may be very rare.
Famous people with the name Leicester
- Robert Dudley, 1st Earl of Leicester: Duke of Northumberland and son of Queen Elizabeth I's trusted advisor, he was a great statesman, courtier and an important patron of the arts in Elizabeth's court.
- Philip Sidney, Viscount Leicester of Loughborough: He was a renowned Renaissance writer and soldier. He wrote the famous pastoral romance, Arcadia, and is considered the archetype of the Renaissance man in England.
- Thomas Leicester, 3rd Baron of Leicester: A member of the House of Lords, he was a leader in the anti-Catholic crusade during the reign of Queen Mary I. He is credited with helping restore the House of Commons to its prerogative after Mary's reign.
- George Villiers, 4th Duke of Buckingham and Earl of Leicester: A favourite of King Charles I, he was instrumental in negotiating the Great Contract of 1621 where the king agreed to levy taxes for the benefit of Parliament.
- Richard Spencer, 5th Baron of Leicester: Son of the 4th Baron, Richard earned military distinction in both the Nine Year War and the War of Austrian Succession, and was created a Field Marshal in 1760.
- Emma, Duchess of Rutland and Countess of Leicester: A prominent figure in high society and a bridesmaid to Queen Victoria, she married the 5th Duke of Rutland in 1839.
- Lucia, Countess of Leicester: daughter of the 6th Earl of Leicester, she was known for her philanthropic works and also named in Queen Victoria's will.
- Edward Leigh, 7th Earl of Leicester: An author and a solider, he was a captain in the Royal Horse Guards, as well as a member of Parliament. He authored the book The English Conquest of Normandy.
- Arthur Browne-Clayton, 8th Baron of Leicester: A strong advocacy of Imperialism, he served as a magistrate, and High Sheriff of Leicestershire. He was also a member of the Royal Yacht Squadron.
- William Alexander Leigh-Clayton, 9th Earl of Leicester: A decorated military officer and recipient of the Order of Merit, he was a prominent figure in the local courts and state dinners.