Leipold

This unusual name, with the variant spellings Leupold(t), Leipold(t), Leibold, Leipelt and Luitpold, derives from an Olde German personal name composed of the elements "liut" or "leudi" meaning "tribe" or "people" plus "balda" bold or brave, and is usually translated as "people-bold". The name was particularly popular in Austria where seven rulers bore it prior to the end of the 14th century. From Austria, the name spread throughout German-speaking countries and reached England through Queen Victoria's (1837-1901) uncle, King Leopold of Belgium, after whom she named her youngest son. A Coat of Arms granted to Leopold Von Neufelden (see below) was quartered blue-red, and charged in the 1st and 4th quarters with a gold lion rampant, and in the 2nd and 3rd with a silver chevron. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of Leopold Von Neufelden. which was dated C.1680 - Of Leopoldstein in the State Palatine (Germany). during the reign of Emperor Leopold I of the Holy Roman Empire 1668 - 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.