Tracing the Leithner Family Name

Seen on a gravestone or a census line, Leithner usually leads back to Leitner. The name is generally explained as “Hillside dweller”. Leithner adds “h” to Leitner, a small change that appeared as the name was written down. Spellings drifted because names were written down by ear in parish books, tax rolls and passenger lists. Related forms: Leiter and Leutner.

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