Surname Schleiff - Meaning and Origin
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Schleiff: What does the surname Schleiff mean?
The last name Schleiff is derived from the Middle High German word schlif, which means "niche" or "crevice." The earliest recorded use of this name dates back to the 14th century in Suben, Germany. It is believed that the family originated from this region and later spread throughout Europe.
Today, Schleiff is a common surname throughout Central Europe, particularly Germany and Austria. It can be found in the United States, Canada, and other countries as well.
The meaning behind Schleiff can be interpreted in two ways. On the one hand, it could refer to the physical location of the family's origins; the word "niche" conveys that the family may have come from a small, out-of-the-way, secluded place. On the other hand, it could be a reflection of the family's character traits, such as their ruggedness, strength, and ability to make do with less.
The surname Schleiff is associated with qualities such as determination, perseverance, and loyalty. These are the very same values the family likely held dear in the past, following their hard work to establish themselves and overcome any obstacles that may have stood in their path.
Order DNA origin analysisSchleiff: Where does the name Schleiff come from?
The last name Schleiff is most commonly found today in Germany, Switzerland, Austria, and in other parts of central Europe. People with this last name are often of German or Swiss descent, and some may trace their roots further back to other parts of Central Europe.
Schleiff was first documented in Germany in the 13th century, and there is evidence of it as one of the oldest recorded surnames in the area. Over the centuries, as people moved around Central Europe, it has spread further and further. It is sometimes seen with an "er" at the end, and more rarely with an "en" at the end, both of which are variations of the original spelling.
The surname is found in major cities in Germany, including Frankfurt, Munich, Berlin, and Hamburg. It is also quite common in Austria, Switzerland, and parts of Italy. In the United States, it can be found in cities with large German and Swiss communities, such as New York City, Houston, and Chicago.
Today, the Schleiff name is most commonly associated with western Europe. The people who carry this name are proud of their heritage, and many are trying to keep it alive for generations to come.
Variations of the surname Schleiff
The surname Schleiff is an old Germanic or specifically Austrian name, with variants of spelling including Schlief, Schleif, Schliefe, Schleifer, Schliefer, Schleifer, and Schlieffer. It was an occupational name as a cloth-cutter or cutter, derived from the Middle High German "slîf" meaning cloth or fabric. It is believed to have derived from the Austrian word "schlieffen" meaning to cut or tear.
Variants of Schleiff can be found in records from the Middle Ages to present. Specifically in Austria, the Schleiff surname started appearing around the 13th century. An example of a documented Schleiff is Hans Schleiff, who is recorded as signing a document at a monastic church in Worrich, Austria, in 1495. As the surname spread, variants began to emerge. In 1521, Nicolaus Schlief is noted in Germany – and Schleifs are indicated to have come from Austria. Additionally, Eberhard Schliefer was noted in the Schedelsche Weltchronik in 1493.
Within Austria and the German-speaking lands, Schleiff-based surnames are still quite common today. Many spellings of names derived from Schleiff are still in use, such as Schleif, Schlief, Schleifer, Schliefer, and Schlieffer.
Famous people with the name Schleiff
- Arthur Schleiff: a business executive and investment banker.
- Harold Schleiff: the former CEO of Crown Media Holdings.
- Emily Schleiff: a singer and songwriter.
- Khristi Schleiff: reality television personality.
- Matt Schleiff: a major league baseball player.
- Robert Schleiff: a world-renowned organist and concert artist.
- Harry Schleiff: a television producer, writer, and director.
- Suzanne Schleiff: an actress and producer.
- Melissa Schleiff: American television producer and book editor.
- Lisa Schleiff: a documentary filmmaker and television producer.