Show ContentsLeithe History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Early Origins of the Leithe family

The surname Leithe was first found in the county of Edinburgh at Leith, a burgh and sea-port town. "This place, which is of considerable antiquity, formerly belonged to the abbey of Holyrood, and, in a charter of David I. to the monks of that establishment, is noticed under the designation of Inverleith, from its position near the influx of the river or Water of Leith into the Frith of Forth." 1

Early History of the Leithe family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Leithe research. Another 99 words (7 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Leithe History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Leithe Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: Leith, Leyth, Lethe and others.

Early Notables of the Leithe family

More information is included under the topic Early Leithe Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Leithe family

Some of the first settlers of this family name or some of its variants were: James and John Leith settled in Boston Massachusetts in 1768; Alexander Leith settled in Annapolis in 1760.



The Leithe 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: Trustie to the end
Motto Translation: Trustworthy to the end


  1. Lewis, Samuel, A Topographical Dictionary of Scotland. Institute of Historical Research, 1848, Print.


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