Legier

This most interesting surname is of Old German origin, and derives from a Germanic personal name composed of the elements "liut", tribe, people, and "gari, geri", spear. The popularity of this personal name was due to a 7th Century bishop of Autun, in France, who bore the name; he was martyred for political rather than religious reasons. In Germany the name was connected with another saint who was an 8th Century bishop of Munster. From this source also derive the English surnames Ledger and Leger; Legier, Laugier and Liger in France; and Luttger and Luttgert in Germany. The personal name was introduced into England in the form "Legier" by Norman settlers. However, in some instances the surname may perhaps derive from an occupational name for a doctor or physician, from the Old German "lauge", leech, as this was given to one skilled in medicine or "leechcraft", one who relieves pain. Early examples of the surname include the christening of Pierre Lauga on February 21st 1736, at Montigny, Meurthe-et-Moselle, France; the marriage of Peter Lauga and Mary Hurst on August 28th 1766, at Alverstoke, Hampshire; and the marriage of Martha Lauga and John Thompson on January 11th 1802, at Westminster, London. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of Martin and Anna Laug, which was dated September 1682, christening witnesses at Pfalz, Battenburg, Wuertt, Germany, during the reign of Emperor Leopold 1, Holy Roman Emperor, 1658 - 1705. Surnames became necessary when governments introduced personal taxation. In England this was known as Poll Tax. Throughout the centuries, surnames in every country have continued to "develop" often leading to astonishing variants of the original spelling.