Surname Melichar - Meaning and Origin
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Melichar: What does the surname Melichar mean?
The last name Melichar is of Czech origin and is derived from "melnik," the Czech word for "miller." It may have initially been used to identify someone from a particular profession, but it could also have been used to indicate a geographical origin or to suggest a family connection between two people.
Historically, millers were some of the most important members of a local community. This was particularly true in medieval Europe, where nearly every village had a miller, as they were responsible for processing grain and flour, which could be used to make bread -- an important part of people's diet. As such, they were seen as an integral part of the local economic system and could sometimes even become a wealthy and respected figure in the village.
The last name Melichar has been present in the Czech Republic since at least the 18th century, with individuals bearing the name recorded as living in various cities. Its presence in the country has also been observed in records from Germany, Slovakia, and Austria. In modern times, individuals with this last name can be found in various locations around the world, particularly in the United States and Canada, where it is seen among those who trace their lineage to central Europe.
Order DNA origin analysisMelichar: Where does the name Melichar come from?
The last name Melichar is most commonly found in the Czech Republic. The most recent census shows that it is most commonly found in the Moravian-Silesian Region, but it can also be found in cities such as Prague and Brno. The Melichar family name is derived from the German language, and it is thought to come from the personal name Melichar, which means “king” or “marshal”.
Outside of the Czech Republic, the last name has a small presence in the United States, Canada, and Austria. It is a relatively rare name, and is estimated to have fewer than 500 individuals who bear it in the United States. However, its presence in the United States is thought to stem primarily from the immigration of Czech immigrants to the United States in the mid-19th century.
In conclusion, while the last name Melichar is rarely found outside of the Czech Republic, it is most common there. It is also present in some parts of the United States as a result of immigration.
Variations of the surname Melichar
Melichar is a surname of Czech origin, believed to have come from the term ‘Melík’, which means 'monk'. In addition to Melichar, other variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin include: Melicher, Melicharova, Melicherová, Melicherová, Mellicher, Melličhář, and Melicharik.
The Czech variation ‘Melička’, is also quite popularly used and might be mistaken for a surname due to its ending. It is a diminutive form of the name ‘Melichar’, and when used in its diminutive form, it is most commonly used to address a male, in a warm and fond manner.
The ‘ch’ in the surname is pronounced the way of an ‘H’ in Czech, and as a result, one might find other spellings of the surname with an ‘H’ replacing the ‘Ch’; such as Melihar and Melihor. The ‘i’ in Meličhar and Melicher also has a particular pronunciation, where the ‘i’ is read with a hard ‘e’ sound, therefore making the pronunciation ‘may-lay-ker’, and contributing to more possible variations such as Melliker or Meliker.
People with this surname often bear nicknames such as Melka, Melčíka, Meličík, Melčíka, Melička, or Melčíků; all being pet forms of the surname Melichar. This surname is extremely popular among Czechs, and one might even find it being used in regions outside of Czech Republic, such as Slovakia, France, and Germany.
Famous people with the name Melichar
- Libor Melichar (musician)
- Karel Melichar (Czech architect)
- Pavel Melichar (Czech environmental activist)
- Patrik Melichar (Czech painter)
- Jiří Melichar (Czech handball player)
- Filip Melichar (Czech volleyball player)
- Jan Otto Melichar (Czech architect and designer)
- Pavel Melichar (Czech journalist and photographer)
- Miroslav Melichar (Czech poet)
- Kristyna Melichar (Czech tennis champion)
- Martin Melichar (Czech footballer)
- Petra Kvitova and her twin sister Katarina Melichar (Czech professional tennis players)
- Klayton Melichar (American actor)
- Karl Melichar (Austrian composer)
- Mark Melichar (American football coach)
- Ludwig Melichar (German naturalist)
- Juraj Melichar (Slovak footballer)
- Kateřina Melichar (Czech composer and singer)
- Matthew Melichar (American hockey coach)
- Derek Melichar (American musical producer)