Surname Michalleck - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'M'
Michalleck: What does the surname Michalleck mean?
The last name Michalleck is of German and Jewish descent, originating in areas that are now part of the modern state of Austria. It is thought to have derived from the word ‘Mikal’, which translates to Michael and suggests that the original bearer of the name was a relative or descendant of Michael. It is also believed that the last name could have been given to those who worked as a miller, with the name stemming from the German word for the profession, 'mühlanker'.
The name can be found in early records throughout Europe, including the register of Bockenem, Lower Saxony in 1584; documents from Barlad, Romania in the 17th century; Wallerstein, Bavaria in 1862 and in Breslau, Lower Silesia, now Wrocław, Poland in the late 19th century.
Today, Michalleck is a relatively rare name. It is most common in Austria, followed by Germany, the United States, Israel and various other countries. Those who bear the name today could be descended from a long line of millers, or relatives of Michael, a figure from Jewish and Christian mythology. The complexity of the name’s origin, be it from a biblical or occupational standpoint, is part of what makes it a unique and fascinating part of the family’s heritage.
Order DNA origin analysisMichalleck: Where does the name Michalleck come from?
The last name Michalleck is most commonly found in Germany today. According to the Forebears genealogical database, about 483 people have the last name Michalleck living in Germany, with the majority of people arriving in the late 1700s. Although the exact origins of the name are unknown, some historians believe Michalleck may be derived from the Germanic names Mico, Michael, or Michele.
When researching the Michalleck surname, many sources connect the name to the region of northern Germany, including the Hanseatic cities of Hamburg and Bremen. Hamburg, in particular, is important for the Michalleck family, as that is where their family tree first branches out and starts to be recorded in German record books.
Some family members came to America in the 1800s, but were not as numerous as in Germany. Therefore, it is likely that the surname Michalleck is still more commonly found in Germany today.
Variations of the surname Michalleck
The surname Michalleck has many spellings and variants. Some common variants include Michalek, Michleck, Michaillek, Michalik, Mishalek, Mishalleck, Michalick, Michaliak, Michelack, Michalec, Michalco, Mehalek, Mechlek, Michalic, Mechaliak, Mihaleck, Michalo, Michalko, Michaluk, and Mezhalek.
The surname is of Czech, Slovak, and Polish origin. It is derived from the personal name Michal, which is a Czech, Slovak, and Polish variant of the Hebrew name Michael, or Mikha’il, meaning “who is like God”.
In some cases, the surname can be found as MacMichel, Mazzillila, Mishalecki, Mechelick, Mekolek, Mechaliak, and Michaliow. These variant spellings are most likely derived from either the Czech, Slovak, and/or Polish language.
Moreover, other surnames of similar origins may include such as Mickiewicz, McMichael, Michaelson, Mandel, Martinson, Miller, Milstein, and Mackar.
Thus, the surname Michalleck has a variety of variations, spellings, and derivations all of which can be traced to the original Czech, Slovak, and/or Polish origin.
Famous people with the name Michalleck
- Sam Rockwell: An American actor who has starred in a number of films such as The Green Mile (1999), Confessions of a Dangerous Mind (2002), Moon (2009), Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri (2017) and Jojo Rabbit (2019).
- Mariska Hargitay: An American actress who is best known for her role as Olivia Benson on the NBC procedural Law and Order: SVU.
- Christopher Guest: An American actor, director, writer, and musician who is best known for his improvised mockumentary films such as This Is Spinal Tap (1984), Best in Show (2000) and A Mighty Wind (2003).
- Richard Michalleck: An American child actor, best known for his role as Jerry Renfro in the 1969 film adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson's novel David Copperfield.
- Perry King: An American actor who is best known for his roles in such films as The Lords of Flatbush (1974), Mandingo (1975), and Class (1983).
- Bob Michalleck: An American actor who is best known for his roles in such films as Executive Suite (1976), Race with the Devil (1975) and The Wild Seed (1965).
- Dean Paul Martin: An American actor, singer, and former competitive skier who appeared in such films as Up the Academy (1980), The Last Tycoon (1976), and The Sky’s No Limit (1984).
- Vince Michalleck: An American actor who is best known for appearing in numerous western films such as Comanche Territory (1950), The Big Show (1960), and Gunfire at Indian Gap (1957).
- Savanna Michalleck: An American actress and singer who is best known for her role as Jan Brady in The Brady Bunch Movie (1995) and its sequels, A Very Brady Sequel (1996) and The Brady Bunch in the White House (2002).