The Leiter Last Name

Records tie Leiter closely to Leitner. The name is generally explained as “Hillside dweller”. Leiter is listed among the recognised spellings of Leitner. Spellings drifted because names were written down by ear in parish books, tax rolls and passenger lists. You may also find the name written Leithner and Leutner.

In the 2010 US Census, 2,468 Americans gave Leiter as their last name (rank 12,548). Names that sound alike, such as Leiteiro, are easily confused in old records.

Looking for a Leiter coat of arms? Arms were granted to families, not to surnames, and our research shows which heraldic tradition fits yours. Research your Leiter family history with a full surname report and painted coat of arms.