This is a diminutive surname of Medieval Germanic origins, which is either habitational for one who dwelt at one of the several places called Liepe or Lippe, (The Lime Trees), or derives from the ancient hebrew "lipe", meaning "the dear one". As a diminutive the suffix "ins" or "ina" implies little or small or more particularly "the son (or sometimes daughter) of Li(e)p(p)e". There are a number of spellings which include Liepens, Liepin, Kiepins, Lepin etc and in these various spellings it is well recorded in Germany although apparently less so in Latuia. It is also recorded as a German heraldic and nobility name, Rowlands Armorial General for Europe giving Von Der Liepen of Lippe, in the (former) State of Brandenberg. Amongst the unusual Latvian recordings is Kristjan Leipin of Vindava, who was possibly an orphan Christened on January 30th 1863. The first recorded namebearer (below) was son of Andreto and Kristine Liepins. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of Janis Liepins, which was dated April 30th 1894, baptised at Tukuns, Latuia, during the reign of Pope Leo X111, February 20th 1878 - July 20th 1903. 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.