Leiber
A surname possibly derived from the German term "lieb" meaning "dear" or "beloved".
According to the 2010 US Census Bureau surname tables, roughly 480 Americans carry the last name Leiber. That puts it at #50,196 in the national surname ranking, appearing at a frequency of 0.14 per 100,000 people (about 1 in 714,072 residents).
This page is the full Name Census profile for the Leiber surname. You will find the Census Bureau frequency data, an ancestry and ethnicity breakdown based on self-reported demographics, the name's meaning and origin where available, and answers to the most common questions people ask about this surname.
Bearers in the US
480
1 in 714,072
Census rank
#50,196
2010 decennial data
Per 100,000
0.1
Frequency rate
Recorded bearers
417
very rare in the US
Popularity narrative
The Census Bureau recorded 417 bearers of the surname Leiber in its 2010 decennial surname file. At a rate of 0.14 per 100,000 residents, it holds the 50196th position in the national surname ranking.
Among Census respondents with the surname Leiber, the largest self-reported group is White at 97.8%. The next largest groups are Hispanic (1.9%).
Origin
Meaning and origin of Leiber
The surname Leiber originated in Germany, with roots dating back to the Middle Ages. It is derived from the German word "Leib," which means "body" or "life." The name likely referred to someone who was physically strong or had a robust constitution.
One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Leiber can be found in the German town of Kaiserslautern, where a nobleman named Johann Leiber lived in the 14th century. He was a prominent figure in the region and owned several estates.
In the 15th century, the name Leiber appeared in various legal documents and land records across southern Germany, particularly in the regions of Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg. This suggests that the name was well-established among both noble and commoner families during that period.
The surname Leiber is also closely associated with the town of Leibertingen, located in the German state of Baden-Württemberg. It is believed that the town's name may have been derived from an early settler with the surname Leiber, further reinforcing the name's deep roots in the region.
Notable individuals with the surname Leiber include:
1. Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz (1646-1716), a German philosopher, mathematician, and scientist who made significant contributions to the development of calculus and the binary system.
2. Fritz Leiber (1910-1992), an American author of fantasy and science fiction novels, known for his works such as the Fafhrd and the Gray Mouser series.
3. Margot Leiber (1909-2008), a German-American artist and designer, renowned for her intricate and whimsical handbags and accessories.
4. Justin Leiber (1890-1967), an American author and lawyer who wrote several mystery novels and legal thrillers.
5. Robert Leiber (1887-1967), an American artist and sculptor, known for his bronze figurative works and his association with the Ashcan School of American art.
While the surname Leiber has found its way into various parts of the world due to immigration and migration, its roots can be traced back to the medieval German regions, where it held a strong presence and association with strength, vitality, and notable individuals throughout history.
Demographics
Ancestry and ethnicity for Leiber
Among Census respondents with the surname Leiber, the largest self-reported group is White at 97.8%. The next largest groups are Hispanic (1.9%).
The bar chart below shows how Leiber bearers described their own race and ethnicity on the 2010 Census form. The Census Bureau groups responses into six broad categories: White, Black or African American, Hispanic or Latino, Asian and Pacific Islander, American Indian and Alaska Native, and Two or More Races. When a category has too few respondents for a given surname, the Bureau suppresses the figure to protect individual privacy, which is why some names show fewer than six slices.
Keep in mind that these are self-reported numbers. A person's surname does not determine their race or ethnicity, and the distribution you see here reflects the specific population who happened to carry the Leiber surname at the time of the 2010 Census, not any inherent property of the name itself.
- White97.8%
- Hispanic or Latino1.9%
Year on year
2010 vs 2010 Census
How has the Leiber surname changed between Census years? The chart shows bearer count side by side, and the table compares rank, count, and frequency.
Census year comparison
| Metric | 2010 | 2010 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #50,196 | #50,196 | 0.0% |
| Count | 417 | 417 | 0.0% |
| Per 100K | 0.14 | 0.14 | 0.0% |
Between the 2010 and 2010 Census, the number of Leiber bearers went from 417 to 417 (+0.0% change). The surname held its position in the national ranking, going from #50,196 to #50,196.
Notable bearers
Famous people with the surname Leiber
FAQ
Leiber surname: questions and answers
How common is the last name Leiber?
The surname Leiber holds position #50,196 in the US Census Bureau's surname ranking, with an estimated 480 living bearers. It occurs at a rate of 0.14 per 100,000 Americans.
What is the ethnic background of the Leiber surname?
Among Census respondents with the surname Leiber, the largest self-reported group is White at 97.8%. The next largest groups are Hispanic (1.9%). These figures come from the 2010 Census Bureau surname tables, based on how respondents described their own race and ethnicity.
Where does this surname data come from?
All surname statistics on Name Census are drawn from the US Census Bureau's decennial surname frequency tables. These tables list every surname that appeared 100 or more times in the 2010 Census, along with a frequency rate and self-reported demographic breakdown. You can read the full explanation on our methodology page.