Leija

Leija is a proper noun of Spanish-language origin used as a surname and as a toponym in Spanish-speaking regions. It is found in various countries with Hispanic heritage, typically indicating ancestral ties to a place. The etymology is not uniformly established; many sources classify Leija as toponymic, linking it to a locality with a name of similar form. Spelling variants and related toponymic forms are found in historical records.

Geographically, Leija designates several small settlements, districts, or parish names in Spain and in Latin American countries. These places are generally small and locally known, and none corresponds to a major national jurisdiction. In modern datasets, Leija is encountered as both a surname and a place name, reflecting its dual use in onomastics.

In reference works, Leija is treated as a name with multiple uses rather than a single, standalone subject. It may appear in genealogical, historical, or geographic contexts. The term is relatively uncommon and tends to be localized to particular regions or families.