Leatherwood History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England
Ireland
Scotland

The English surname Leatherwood was originally the name of a place in Westmorland.

Early Origins of the Leatherwood family

The surname Leatherwood was first found in Westmorland where William de Laudre was listed in the Pipe Rolls for 1184. 1 However, most of the family claim Berwickshire, Scotland as their ancient homestead as Lauder is a royal burgh dating back to at least the early part of the 12th century, when David I. granted lands to their ancient ancestors. 2 here "the family are descended from Robert Lauder, a follower of Sir William Wallace." 3

In Ireland, the name was often changed to Leather, (meaning strong) from which we find variants like Leatherwood today. 4 Other variants like Louderback and Lauderback are extensions from the original name.

Early History of the Leatherwood family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Leatherwood research. Another 123 words (9 lines of text) covering the years 1057, 1297, 1298, 1311, 1516, 1611, 1646 and 1772 are included under the topic Early Leatherwood History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Leatherwood Spelling Variations

During the era when a person's name, tribe and posterity was one of his most important possessions, many different spellings were found in the archives examined. Leatherwood occurred in many references, and spelling variations of the name found included Lauder, Laudor, Lawder, Lawther, Leather, Lauther and others.

Early Notables of the Leatherwood family

Notable amongst the family name during their early history was Sir Robert Lauder of Bass (d. 1311), a supporter of William Wallace at Stirling Bridge in 1297, and at...
Another 29 words (2 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Leatherwood Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Leatherwood Ranking

In the United States, the name Leatherwood is the 5,659^th most popular surname with an estimated 4,974 people with that name. 5

Migration of the Leatherwood family to Ireland

Some of the Leatherwood family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt. More information about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Leatherwood migration to the United States +

Gradually becoming disenchanted with life in Ireland many of these uprooted families sailed aboard the armada of sailing ships known as the "White Sails" which plied the stormy Atlantic. These overcrowded ships often arrived with only 60 to 70% of their original passenger list, many dying of illness and the elements, were buried at sea. In North America, early immigrants bearing the family name Leatherwood, or a spelling variation of the surname include:

Leatherwood Settlers in United States in the 20th Century

Daniel F. Leatherwood, aged 21, who arrived in America, in 1919
Elmer O. Leatherwood, aged 54, who immigrated to Salt Lake City, Utah, in 1923
Margaret Leatherwood, aged 11, who immigrated to Salt Lake City, Utah, in 1923
Nancy Leatherwood, aged 50, who immigrated to Salt Lake City, Utah, in 1923

Contemporary Notables of the name Leatherwood (post 1700) +

Robert Nelson "Bob" Leatherwood (1844-1920), American businessman and politician from Haysville, North Carolina, Member of the Arizona Territorial Legislature Council in 1885
Frank Leatherwood (b. 1977), former American football fullback who played one season with the Detroit Fury (2003)
Robert Leatherwood (b. 1952), American professional football player
Lillie Mae Leatherwood (b. 1964), American gold, two-time silver and bronze Olympic medalist who competed at the 1984 and 1988 Summer Olympics
Ray Leatherwood (1914-1996), American jazz double-bassist and session musician
Elmer O. Leatherwood (1872-1929), American politician, U.S. Representative from Utah (1921-1929)
F. H. Leatherwood, American politician, Member of North Carolina State House of Representatives from Jackson County, 1879-80 6
Elmer O. Leatherwood (1872-1929), American Republican politician, U.S. Representative from Utah 2nd District, 1921-29; Delegate to Republican National Convention from Utah, 1924, 1928 6

The Leatherwood Motto +

The motto was originally a war cry or slogan. Mottoes first began to be shown with arms in the 14th and 15th centuries, but were not in general use until the 17th century. Thus the oldest coats of arms generally do not include a motto. Mottoes seldom form part of the grant of arms: Under most heraldic authorities, a motto is an optional component of the coat of arms, and can be added to or changed at will; many families have chosen not to display a motto.

Motto: Sub umbra alarum tuarus
Motto Translation: Under the shadow of thy wings.

Citations +

Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)
Lewis, Samuel, A Topographical Dictionary of Scotland. Institute of Historical Research, 1848, Print.
Sims, Clifford Stanley The Origin and Signification of Scottish Surnames. 1862. Print.
MacLysaght, Edward, Supplement to Irish Families. Baltimore: Genealogical Book Company, 1964. Print.
"What are the 5,000 Most Common Last Names in the U.S.?". NameCensus.com, https://namecensus.com/last-names/
The Political Graveyard: Alphabetical Name Index. (Retrieved 2016, January 15) . Retrieved from http://politicalgraveyard.com/alpha/index.html