Recorded in a wide variety of spelling forms including: Ledeker, Leidecker, Ledekker, Leiddecker, Leindecker, Leydhecker, Leyendecker, and Leydecker, this German surname is occupational. In medieval times it is believed to have described a maker of canvass, possibly sails for ships, or covers possibly for use as tents, or on carts. However it may also have had a more general use which included such activities as waterproofing for buildings, or possibly even the caulking of ships. Literal translation of medieval surname meanings into 20th century useage is often fraught with problems, and this surname is no different. What can be said is that it is first recorded in the famous German dictionary ''Etymolgisches der Deutschen' in the year 1403 when Jeckel Leiendecker is given as being a citizen of Frankfurt. Later in 1575 Johannes Leidecker appears as being a citizen or burger of the town of Neub. Over the centuries surnames have continued to develop, leading to variant forms often far removed from the original spellings.

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