Surname Szelew - Meaning and Origin
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Szelew: What does the surname Szelew mean?
The last name Szelew is of Polish origin and is believed to have descended from the medieval Polish language name Szlew which roughly translates to "the one who is good." While there are variations of the spelling, it is thought to have derived from the Polish word 'szlachetny', meaning 'noble' or 'magnanimous'.
The roots of the last name Szelew can be traced back to families that lived in the old Polish cities and rural areas, such as the Masovian Voivodship, Podlaskie Voivodship and Masurian Lake District. Many of the families with this last name were landowners and small business owners, while some were craftsmen and artisans.
Though the origin of the surname Szelew remains a mystery, its historical meaning is quite clear. Historically, it could have been interpreted to denote an individual of noble and virtuous standing. The name was likely used to describe someone of high character, as well as someone whose conduct and presence inspired goodness, integrity, and honesty. As its popularity spread throughout Eastern Europe, the name Szelew began to take on various translations in different countries and regions.
In modern times, Szelew continues to be found scattered throughout Poland and other Slavic countries today and is still used as a symbol of nobility and honor. It remains an established name enjoyed by many families, both old and new.
Order DNA origin analysisSzelew: Where does the name Szelew come from?
The last name Szelew is believed to have originated from Poland and is believed to be of Jewish descent. It is also commonly found in the Ukraine as well as Hungary. Today, the last name Szelew is found most commonly throughout Poland and Hungary, however, there are individuals who carry the name in other countries such as the United States, Canada, and Australia.
In Poland, the last name Szelew is one of the most widespread surnames among Polish Jews due to its prominent presence from the 17th century onward and as a result, it is found in virtually every city in the country. In addition, Szelew can also be found in many regions throughout the Ukraine such as Lviv, Rivne, Vinnytsia, Zaporizhia and other cities. While Szelew is not as widespread in Hungary, the surname does appear in Hungarian census records in certain regions.
In the United States, the surname Szelew was brought over by Jewish immigrants from Poland and Hungary who settled mostly in the Midwestern states such as Michigan and Illinois as well as in larger cities with sizable Jewish populations like New York City and Los Angeles. Additionally, Szelew can also be found in other countries such as Canada, Australia, and Israel where it may have been brought over by more recent immigrants.
Overall, the last name Szelew is found mostly in Central and Eastern European countries such as Poland and Hungary, with a smaller presence in other countries such as the United states, Canada, and Australia.
Variations of the surname Szelew
Szelew is a surname of Polish origin derived from the word szelew which means seat. It is pronounced SHEH-lev in English.
Variants of the surname Szelew include Szale, Szal, Szala, Szaleń, Szalęcki, and Czale. Other spellings include Schale, Szęle, and Sole.
Surnames of similar origin include Szerlok and Szlew. They are related to the Szelew surname as they use the same root word and carry similar meanings.
Surnames of similar sound and meaning include Schoenle, Szczelec, Szleń, Shalit, and Shlechter. These surnames also follow the same root word, with added letters or different beginnings.
Other surnames derived from the same root word of Polish origin include Szczeniowski, Szeliga, Szela, and Szeremeta. Although they are not directly linked to the Szelew surname, they are similar in origin and meaning.
Surnames of similar feel and origin include Szeret and Ujumaki, which are derived from the original Polish word but have taken on an alternate spelling and truncated form.
As a whole, the surname Szelew consists of many variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. The different forms allow each individual with the same surname to have a unique identity.
Famous people with the name Szelew
- Elizabeth Szelew: a historical figure from the 19th century, from the Austro-Hungarian Empire who was known for her involvement in the early women's suffrage movement.
- Haya Szelew: a prominent Israeli businesswoman, and philanthropist from the 20th and 21st centuries.
- Ferenc Szelew: a classical music conductor and violinist from the 21st century.
- Kálmán Szelew: an Austrian-Croatian hairstylist and entrepreneur from the 21st century who founded the Barcelona-based Szelew hair salon chain.
- Balázs Szelew: a Hungarian-born tennis player who competed in the junior Grand Slams in the early 2000s.
- Viola Szelew- a Hungarian painter from the 20th century known for her abstract works and landscapes.
- Éva Szelew: a Hungarian horticulturist from the 20th century who wrote extensively on preserving and cultivating the national flora of Hungary.
- Erzsébet Szelew: a Hungarian literature professor and lecturer from the 20th century whose work on the female authors of the Renaissance period has become critical in understanding early feminist thought in Europe.
- Attila Szelew: a Hungarian physician and medical researcher from the 21st century who has made significant contributions to the advancement of medical treatments for children suffering from autism.