Lightfoot tribes around the world

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Lightfoot Family History

This unusual surname is an interesting example of that sizeable group of early European surnames that were gradually created from the habitual use of nicknames. These nicknames were given with reference to variety of characteristics, such as physical attributes or peculiarities, mental and moral characteristics, or habits of dress and occupation. The derivation, in this instance, is from the Olde English pre 7th century "leoht", nimble, quick, with "fot", foot, originally denoting someone with a light, springy step; a speedy runner, or messenger. Early examples of the surname include; William Lightfote (Cambridgeshire, 1273), and Willelmus Lightfote (Yorkshire, 1379). In the Norfolk "Towneley Plays of Caesar Augustus", dated 1274, reference is made to the characters "Lyghtefote Nuncius" and "John Litefot, cacher"...

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Lightfoot

William Cleave Lightfoot Sr 04.09.1942 DOD. 10.21.01

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Can you support one of our Heritage Pilot Projects in your region of origin or linked to you surname(s)? We have THREE live pilots on now and we just need pledges from people to help with donations and fundraising.

Project one is a smart upgrade to The Pirate Queen, Grace O’Malley’s home on Clare Island, County Mayo to make it a ‘must visit’ tourist attraction.
Project two is a new ‘must visit’ Heritage Centre attract more Tourists to Carrick-on-Suir in County Tipperary.
Project three is a new Enterprise Centre in Carrick-on-Suir in County Tipperary.

If you would like to help with a donation pledge, or help fundraise, just submit your email here and we will send you more information on the projects and detail on how you can help.