Surname Flack - Meaning and Origin
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Flack: What does the surname Flack mean?
The last name Flack is of Anglo-Saxon origin and is believed to derive from the Old English word "flacc," which was a term for a flag. As such, the original bearer of the name was likely someone who worked with flags, such as a displayed them in a military capacity or on a ship. It might also be an occupational name derived from a maker or seller of flags.
The accompanying coat of arms is a red shield featuring a gold lion standing upright on its hind legs with a crown atop its head. Additional symbolism includes the sun, which is a sign of intelligence, creativity, and ambition; and the chevron in the center, which is a mark of honor and respect.
Today, the surname Flack is most common in the Wirral region of Merseyside, England, though it is also found in other parts of the UK. The variant spelling of "Flak" is also seen in some parts of the world, such as Scotland and Germany.
Though the exact meaning of the name is unknown, it is clear that the surname Flack has a long and distinguished history. It's associated with the associations of loyalty, strength, and ambition, all of which make it an apt and noble symbol of its bearer's identity.
Order DNA origin analysisFlack: Where does the name Flack come from?
The last name Flack is most commonly found in the United Kingdom and Ireland. In the UK, the name is most frequently found in the counties of Sussex, Surrey, Kent, Hampshire, Essex, and Cambridgeshire. The name is also quite common in Ireland, especially in the counties of Cork, Dublin, Galway, Limerick, and Kerry.
In the United States, the prevalence of the name Flack is much lower. Available data suggests that the name Flack is generally seen in larger cities, such as New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Dallas, and Boston. Outside of these metropolitan areas, the name is less common.
Flack is also found in parts of Canada, Australasia, and the broader Commonwealth region, in the form of immigrants and other residents. The highest concentrations in this region appear to be in Toronto, Melbourne, Sydney, and Wellington.
The origin of the name Flack is not known for sure. Some believe that it is linked to the Old English word "fleac", meaning "quick, nimble or praiseworthy". Other theories on the name's origin include a connection to the Saxon word "fleccan", meaning "to flutter" or "to flicker".
Regardless of the origin, the surname Flack has become a widely spread last name. While the name is most commonly found in the UK and Ireland, it can also be found in many other countries, particularly in large cities where people with a historic connection to the UK and Ireland can be found.
Variations of the surname Flack
The surname Flack has a variety of related spellings and surnames of the same origin. The most common spellings include: Flack, Fleck, Flake, Flacko, Flecker, Flegel, and Fletter.
Flack is an English surname originating in medieval times. It is derived from Middle English words “flakke” or “flecke”, which mean “to flicker or sparkle”. It is believed that the original name holders were flame-haired or red-haired people, and they used this name to denote their hair color. Additionally, the surname may have been derived from the Middle English word “flegge” meaning “to play music”, indicating that some of the original name holders may have been musicians.
Flack is also a German surname derived from the Middle High German word “vlak” meaning “slice”. This was likely an occupational name for someone who worked as a butcher, slicing meat. It can also be an altered spelling of the German surname “Flecke”, which is a topographic name derived from the word “Flecken”, meaning “spot” or “patch of land” and was likely given to someone who lived in such areas.
Variations of the surname Flack can also be found in the Dutch language as “Vlaak”, an altered spelling of the German “Flack”. This was likely used as either a name for someone with a flame-red hair, a nickname for someone who was spirited or lively, or an occupational name for a butcher. Additionally, variations may be found in the Scandinavian languages as “Flak”, “Flacken”, “Flecken”, “Flakk”, and “Flacken.”
Overall, there is a wide variety of possible spellings and surnames of the same origin for the surname Flack. These numerous variations likely reflect both the English and German origins of the name, as well as the various occupations, characters, and physical appearances associated with the name over the centuries.
Famous people with the name Flack
- Roberta Flack: Grammy award winning American singer-songwriter.
- Jay Flack: Professional American golfer.
- Edith Flack Ackley: American artist.
- David Flack: Former Australian politician.
- Katrina Flack: Canadian astronaut.
- Christopher Flack: English actor.
- Joe Flack: Major League Baseball pitcher.
- Gregory Flack: Canadian astronomer.
- Jeff Flack: American voice actor.
- William Flack: Episcopal Bishop from the U.S.
- Ann Flack: Award winning American novelist.
- Lancelot Flack: Numerous British Army generals.
- William Flack: Unsuccessful Australian politician.
- Matthew Flack: Member of the British Parliament.
- Hugh Flack: Canadian singer-songwriter.
- John Flack: 19th century English coachman and coach painter.
- James Flack: British Army general during the War of the Spanish Succession.
- Christopher Flack: British barrister and Member of Parliament.
- David Flack: English clergyman and theologian.
- Mary Jane Flack: Canadian writer and editor.