Sep 16, 2025 · Is fearr leath ná meath. (proverb) Something is better than nothing. (literally, “ "Half" is better than decay. ”)

Factsheet What does the noun leath mean? There are two meanings listed in OED's entry for the noun leath. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence.

The surname Leath was first found in the county of Edinburgh at Leith, a burgh and sea-port town.

Leath was one of the wards of the ancient county of Cumberland in north west England. Unlike most other English counties, Cumberland was divided into wards rather than hundreds.

The name "Leath" is of Irish origin and is derived from the Gaelic surname "Ó Laithimh," meaning "descendant of Laithimh." The name Laithimh itself is believed to have originated from the word …

In Irish contexts, Leath can echo the Gaelic leath, meaning “half,” which occurs in compound place- and tribal names (e.g., Leath-Chuinn, “Conn’s Half,” a medieval geopolitical term), though as a surname …

The meaning of the Irish root word Leath, from 'Irish Local Names Explained', by Patrick Weston Joyce

Definition: “Leath” refers to the state of being rough or scaly, often used to describe the texture of the skin or similar materials. It can also pertain to a harsh or jagged surface characteristic.

Those named Leath possess a strong sense of purpose and are not afraid to face challenges head-on. They have a courageous and adventurous spirit, always striving for success.

Need to translate "leath" from Irish? Here are 3 possible meanings.