Lites History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

• Origins Available:
• England

Etymology of Lites

The Anglo-Saxon name Lites comes from the family having resided in a clearing or glade. The surname Lites is derived from the Old English word leoht, which means light and is theorized to specifically mean light place in this case. The surname Lites belongs to the class of topographic surnames, which were given to people who resided near physical features such as hills, streams, churches, or types of trees.

Early Origins of the Lites family

Early History of the Lites family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Lites research. Another 70 words (5 lines of text) covering the years 1529, 1546, 1564, 1578, 1588 and 1607 are included under the topic Early Lites History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Lites Spelling Variations

Lites has been spelled many different ways. Before English spelling became standardized over the last few hundred years, spelling variations in names were a common occurrence. As the English language changed in the Middle Ages, absorbing pieces of Latin and French, as well as other languages, the spelling of people's names also changed considerably, even over a single lifetime. Spelling variants included: Light, Lyte, Lite and others.

Early Notables of the Lites family

Another 50 words (4 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Lites Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Lites family

In an attempt to escape the chaos experienced in England, many English families boarded overcrowded and diseased ships sailing for the shores of North America and other British colonies. Those families hardy enough, and lucky enough, to make the passage intact were rewarded with land and a social environment less prone to religious and political persecution. Many of these families became important contributors to the young colonies in which they settled. Early immigration and passenger lists have documented some of the first Litess to arrive on North American shores: Elias Light settled in Virginia in 1637 along with Richard; George Light settled in Virginia in 1652 with Mary; William and John Light settled in Virginia in 1653..