Surname Schlech - Meaning and Origin
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Schlech: What does the surname Schlech mean?
The last name Schlech is of German origin. It is derived from the German word "schlecht", meaning "bad, bad luck, bad fortune". The surname is believed to have originally been used as a nickname for an unlucky or ill-fated person.
The earliest recorded mention of the Schlech name dates back to 1233 in Germany. The Schlech family can be traced to many parts of Europe, with notable branches in Switzerland, Austria, and Hungary.
Schlech is a rare surname and does not appear to be associated with any particular occupational or regional designation. It may have originated with a single individual who used it as an identifying marker.
The Schlech name suggests a strong association with German culture. The name itself reflects the idea of bad luck and misfortune, a characteristic often attributed to the German people in stereotypes.
The Schlech family has long been an important part of Germany's rich cultural history. Its members have contributed in many different fields, such as law, business, science, and the arts. Many Schlechs have made a lasting impact on the global stage.
The Schlech name is a reminder of the strong ties Germans share with one another and with the world. It is a reminder of the country's history and the contributions of its citizens.
Order DNA origin analysisSchlech: Where does the name Schlech come from?
The last name Schlech is now common in many parts of the world, including the United States, Canada, Europe, and Australia.
Originally, the Schlech family originated in Austria, Switzerland, and southern Germany. The earliest known references to the last name date back to the 12th century. In the early 1900s, many members of the Schlech family immigrated to the United States, largely due to oppressive economic conditions in Austria-Hungary.
In the United States, the Schlech family is concentrated mainly in Pennsylvania, with smaller concentrations in Wisconsin, New Jersey, New York, California, and Illinois. According to the US Census Bureau, there are more than 20,000 Americans with the last name Schlech.
In Canada, the Schlech family is mostly concentrated in Alberta, Ontario, and British Columbia. The name is also common in Europe, particularly in Germany, France, and the Netherlands.
Australia has also seen a large number of Schlech immigrants, largely from Austria and Germany. The last name is now highly concentrated in Victoria, with smaller concentrations in New South Wales and South Australia.
Today, the Schlech family is one of the most common international last names, with people carrying it in almost every corner of the world.
Variations of the surname Schlech
The surname Schlech (or Schläch) is a German surname meaning "evil" or "bad" and is derived from the Middle High German word "slache". It is common in Germany, Switzerland, Austria and surrounding countries and is spelt in a variety of ways, including Schläch, Schlech, Slech, Sleech, Schleigh, and Slach. Variant spellings in other languages include Szlach, Szlech, Šléh, Šleh, and Šleh. Schlech can also be found as an Anglo-German variant of the British-derived Skelch, Slocum, Sclocum, or Slocomb.
In addition, Schlech may be found spelled as Shlech, Shlach, Shleg, Schlag, Schlegel, Shell, and Shlaech, in both German and Yiddish. Surnames from the same origin can also be found in Europe, Israel, and the United States, including Schleich, Schlich, Schlichting, and Schleton.
Various other spellings and surnames can also be found in surrounding countries such as Czech Republic, Slovakia and Hungary, where the surname is spelled Slechta, Slecht, Slechty, Schlichtri, Schlachta, and Schlachtová. In Russia, Ukraine and Belarus, the surname may appear as Shlyakh, Shylyaka, Słyak, or Schlak.
In an effort to avoid anti-Semitism, some Jewish families from Europe changed their surname from Schlech to more socially-acceptable designations such as clearance, clearance, etch, lech, lechner, lechberg, small, glowing, shlager, slager, sneak, lector and slacks april.
Famous people with the name Schlech
- Joseph Schlech: American rabbi and professor of Jewish Studies.
- Robert Schlech: former American politician and Chairman of the Westfield Town Board.
- Leonard Schlech: German-American businessman and philanthropist.
- Denise Schlech: Canadian professional chef and author.
- William Schlech: former professional ice hockey player.
- John Schlech: former American race car driver and entrepreneur.
- Jacob Schlech: Austrian-American composer and conductor.
- Stanley Schlech: American electrical engineer and television personality.
- Carl Schlech: German sculptor and wood carver.
- Richard Schlech: American painter and illustrator.
- Irene Schlech: German athlete and bronze medalist in the 1928 Summer Olympics.
- Noemí Schlech: Argentine actress and television presenter.
- John Schlech, Jr.: American publish, radio host, and notable figure in the world of computing and electronic music.
- Harry Schlech: American football player.
- Martin Schlech: Austrian composer and conductor.
- James Schlech: former American football player.
- Paul Schlech: American businessman and philanthropist who served as the Chair of the Board of Action for Boston Community Development.
- Philip Schlech: American businessman and entrepreneur.
- Leo Schlech: former American film editor.
- Sharon Schlech: American Manitoba and Canadian professional golfer.