Surname Schleich - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'S'
DNA's Echo Tomorrow: A Personal Ancestral Journey Through Surname 'Schleich' with iGENEA
Before my genetic journey with my iGENEA DNA test, my awareness of my identity was a mere reflection of my immediate surroundings, experiences, and my known family history. My surname 'Schleich' was just a label, bearing little more significance than a distinguishing family marker. That's changed deeply with every layer I unraveled of my ancestral heritage.
H. Schleich
read moreSchleich: What does the surname Schleich mean?
The last name Schleich is of German origin and is derived from the German noun “schleiche”, which means “crawl”. It is believed that this name is a occupational name, meaning it was likely first used as a surname to identify someone who performed such an occupation such as a crawler, a person who works with and handles long, round beams like logs.
At its simplest, the surname Schleich could have referred to someone who was a crawler. Alternatively, it could be used in a metaphorical sense to refer to someone who was quick and sly, like crawling. The name would have been a way to express someone’s characteristics, or a way to characterize a group of people.
Over time, the last name Schleich has taken on a more general meaning of “sneaky” or “heedless”. It is also believed to have been used as a nick name for people who were known to be skilful and able to move swiftly and quietly through a situation.
The surname Schleich is associated with strong Germanic roots and shows a connection with an ancestor’s profession and character. It is a unique and powerful way to trace a family's history and tell a story about who an individual was, or how they are sure to be remembered.
Order DNA origin analysisSchleich: Where does the name Schleich come from?
Today, the surname Schleich is most commonly found in Germany, Austria, and sections of Switzerland. It is especially common in the German states of Bavaria, Hesse, and Baden-Württemberg. The Schleich surname is derived from a Middle High German phrase meaning "brook" or "flowing water".
The exact origin of the Schleich name is not known, as it is a relatively common surname. It is believed to have first become popular during the Middle Ages in German-speaking Europe, when it was common for families to take on surnames derived from the areas they lived or origin stories of their families. It is possible that the Schleich family took their name from a geographical feature located near their home.
It is estimated that at least 20,000 people around the world bear the Schleich surname today. The frequency of the family name in Germany hints that the majority of people bearing it likely have German or Austrian roots. However, the surname can also be found in countries such as the United States, Canada, and Australia due to waves of emigration from the 19th century onward.
Overall, the widespread, yet seemingly localized, prevalence of the Schleich surname implies that many families of this name are connected to a shared heritage or background. Although not definitively known, it is likely that this surname originated from the Middle Ages or earlier in a region of Central Europe. Today, it is a relatively common name in German-speaking countries, as well as countries around the world, which have received immigrants with the Schleich name.
Variations of the surname Schleich
The surname Schleich is derived from the Low German word 'schlieken', meaning to glide or move stealthily or rapidly; it was most likely originally borne by someone in the habit of moving stealthily or of evading notice. The variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin for Schleich include Schlick, Schlicks, and Schleichardt.
The Schleich spelling is the most comprehensive form of the name in Germany, Austria, Switzerland and the Netherlands. Alternate spellings include Schleichs, Schleych, Schlick, Schliesch, Schlieschke, Schlieschen, Schlischn, Schlyschn, Schlyschnowski, and Schleiker. Schlicks, Schlich, and Schlichke are other variants of the name found in Germany. In Poland, Schleichardt is the dominant spelling, used to refer to Schleich's ancestors.
In addition to these alternate spellings, there are additional surnames that have the same origin. Examples of these are Schlicke, Schlicker, Schlickmann, Schlickemeyer, and Schlecte. Aside from alternate spellings and surnames of the same origin, there are also variants of the name in other languages, such as Schleeck in Dutch.
Overall, the surname Schleich has evolved over time, with multiple variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin appearing in different countries. Despite the many variations, the surname ultimately derives from the Low German word 'schlieken', meaning to glide or move stealthily or rapidly.
Famous people with the name Schleich
- Tim Schleich: German soccer player currently playing for Erzgebirge Aue in the German 2. Bundesliga
- Johann Christoph Schleich: Baroque era German organist, keyboardist, Kapellmeister and composer
- Albrecht Schleich: German American architect associated with traditionalist works from the 19th century
- Martin Schleich: German poet and playwright, well known for his children's books and plays
- Johann Jakob Schleich: German pastor, historian and theologian active in Bavaria and Palatinate in the late 17th century
- Werner Schleich: German composer of light music known for his frequent contributions to society dances and other festivities
- Wilhelm Schleich: German physician and botanist, and author of the popular encyclopedia Illustriertes Handbuch der Naturgeschichte
- Oswald Schleich: German Catholic theologian, one of the leading figures in the ressourcement and theologians of modern times
- Theo Schleich: German operatic baritone best known for his performances in the early 20th century in operettas and musical comedies
- Wolfgang Schleich: German physicist and professor at the University of Ulm, noted for his work in the electronic theory of magnetism and superconductivity.