Surname Schelke - Meaning and Origin
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Schelke: What does the surname Schelke mean?
The last name 'Schelke' is of German origin, however, its exact meaning is not readily apparent. Many German surnames have occupational or geographical origins, but 'Schelke' does not fit clearly into either of these categories based on modern German vocabulary. It is possible that the name could be a variant of 'Schalk', which means a mischievous or roguish person in German. However, this is purely speculative. It's also possible that it originally referred to a unique local term, a place name, or perhaps an occupation that is no longer in use today. Without specific historical and etymological research, it's challenging to provide a definitive answer for the meaning of the last name 'Schelke'. Like many surnames, it may have evolved and changed over time, thus further complicating its origin and meaning. To ascertain a more accurate meaning of the surname 'Schelke', professional genealogical research may be required.
Order DNA origin analysisSchelke: Where does the name Schelke come from?
The last name Schelke is most commonly found in Germany today. In 2019, approximately 3,815 people had the Schelke surname in Germany, making it the 622nd most common last name in the country. It is also regularly found in other areas of Central and Eastern Europe, and to a lesser extent, in some Scandinavian countries.
The family name is derived from the German words "scheel" (squint-eyed) and "ke" (little), which likely originated from an old nickname given to an ancestor with squinty eyes. There are various spelling variations of the name, including "Schelke," "Scheelke," and "Schaelke."
Though there isn't an obvious connection between those who have the Schelke name today, it is thought that the surname is mainly of German origin and was probably associated with a certain trade or profession. There are indications, too, that there may be several unrelated lines of the Schelke family.
In terms of present-day popularity, the name is rarely seen outside of Germany. In the United States, there are fewer than 400 families who are known to have the last name, mainly concentrated in states like Wisconsin (where many immigrants with the name first settled), Iowa, Pennsylvania, and North Dakota.
Variations of the surname Schelke
The surname Schelke is said to have two main variants, Sheelke and Scheelke, both of which are said to originate from ancient German times. Sheelke is considered to be the earlier form of the name, while Scheelke is often used in modern times. There are also many other spellings and variants of the surname Schelke, including Shielke, Schalke, Schielke, Shellke, Skhelke, Schaekel, Schilke, Scheel, Scheele, Scheeler, Schoelke, and Schuhelke.
In addition to the variants, there are also many surnames of the same origin that are related to or derived from Schelke. These include Schlieck, Schlicke, Schleck, Schleich, Schleicher, Schleisch, Schlepp, Schlick, Schlich, Schlicker, Schlickerin, Schlickman, Schloesser, Shlick, Shliker, Shlikerin, and Shlikerman.
The ultimate origin of the surname Schelke can be traced back to Germany. It is derived from the name “Schelke”, which is a German word that signifies the “edge” or “border” of something. It is likely that an ancestor of this lineage was a boundary guard, or a person who defended a certain area.
Though these surnames and spellings are derived from a common German origin, it is unclear how they arrived to their current spelling or usage. It is possible that Schelke and related surnames have been adapted over time and through migratory patterns as families spread to different parts of the world. It is also likely that with the growth of technology, variants and spellings of the Schelke name have evolved and spread.
Famous people with the name Schelke
- Evi Scheke: Evi is a German actress, known for her roles in several movies and television series, such as Das Boot and Tatort.
- Waldemar Schelke: Waldemar is a German linguist, specializing in Slavic languages, literature, and Slavic culture.
- Roman Schelke: Roman is a Polish pianist who has performed in the United States, France, Germany, and Belgium.
- Josef Schelke: Josef is a German politician who served as a Member of Parliament from East Germany from 1990 to 1994.
- Frank Schelke: Frank is a German Paralympic athlete who won gold medals in the 2000 and 2004 Paralympics.
- Robert Schelke: Robert is a German footballer who has played for several teams, including SV Darmstadt 98 and TSG Neustrelitz.
- August Schelke: August was a German missionary who specialized in converting indigenous peoples in the Americas.
- Robert Schelke II: Robert is a German actor and director, known for his roles in Romanzo Criminale and Charlotte's Web.
- Heinrich Schelke: Heinrich was a German physicist who worked in the application of X-ray technique.
- Eva Schelke: Eva is a German stage actress, best known for her work in various Off-Broadway productions.