Leater History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England
Ireland

The name Leater is rooted in the ancient Anglo-Saxon culture. It was originally a name for someone who worked as a drover; a driver of a cart or vehicle carrying cargo of one kind or another. Further research revealed that the name is derived from the Old English word lædere, which meant leader, because of course the driver had to lead the horses pulling the cart. 1 Occupational names that were derived from the common trades of the medieval era transcended European cultural and linguistic boundaries. Occupational names have remained fairly common in the modern period. This is attested to by the continuing appearance of occupational suffixes at the end of many English surnames. Some of these suffixes include: herd, monger, maker, hewer, smith, and wright. Similarly, surnames of office, which include military, judicial, papal and other positions of authority, are widespread throughout Europe. Those who were involved in the military, or feudal armies, were given names such as the English surname Archer, the French name Chevalier and the German name Jeger, which means hunter. Names that were derived from judicial and papal titles, such as Bailiff, Squire and Abbott, are still commonly seen with the same surname spelling today.

Early Origins of the Leater family

The surname Leater was first found in Durham where one of the first records of the name was Ralph Ledere who was listed in the Assize Rolls of 1243. Later, Henry le Leeder was listed at Pichbeck, Suffolk in 1328. 2

From these early entries for the family, we move forward many years to find Richard Ledar, rector of Fouldon, Norfolk in 1519 and Thomas Leader held lands in Norfolk in 1654. 3 Leeder was the name of the rector of Hale church in 1566. 4

Early History of the Leater family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Leater research. Another 111 words (8 lines of text) covering the years 1243, 1553, 1558, 1601, 1688, 1767, 1771, 1798, 1810, 1812, 1818, 1823, 1826, 1828, 1885 and 1903 are included under the topic Early Leater History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Leater Spelling Variations

It is only in the last few hundred years that the English language has been standardized. For that reason, early Anglo-Saxon surnames like Leater are characterized by many spelling variations. As the English language changed and incorporated elements of other European languages, even literate people changed the spelling of their names. The variations of the name Leater include Leader, Leeder and others.

Early Notables of the Leater family

Another 43 words (3 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Leater Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Leater family to Ireland

Some of the Leater 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.

Migration of the Leater family

Many English families tired of political and religious strife left Britain for the new colonies in North America. Although the trip itself offered no relief - conditions on the ships were extremely cramped, and many travelers arrived diseased, starving, and destitute - these immigrants believed the opportunities that awaited them were worth the risks. Once in the colonies, many of the families did indeed prosper and, in turn, made significant contributions to the culture and economies of the growing colonies. An inquiry into the early roots of North American families has revealed a number of immigrants bearing the name Leater or a variant listed above: Richard Leader, who settled at Lynn Massachusetts in 1630; William Leader settled in Virginia in 1677; Anne Leader settled in Savannah, Georgia in 1825..

Citations +

Bardsley, C.W, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames: With Special American Instances. Wiltshire: Heraldry Today, 1901. Print. (ISBN 0-900455-44-6)
Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)
Rye, Walter, A History of Norfolk. London: Elliot Stock, 62, Paternoster Row, 1885. Print
Guppy, Henry Brougham, Homes of Family Names in Great Britain. 1890. Print.