The Leiter family migrated to Frankfurt from Bingen in 1530 and were given right of residence in Frankfurt. The Weisser Leiter was built for them, and this finally became the family name. The family appears to have enjoyed some repute during the 17th century; several of its members are praised on gravestones as "highly respected" and "esteemed". In addition to its family house, the Leiters initially owned the Krug where the important Kann family later lived. No further information exists as to the early professional activities of the Leiter family, although in the 19th century they are listed in Frankfurt as spice merchants.