Surname Schaika - Meaning and Origin
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Schaika: What does the surname Schaika mean?
The surname Schaika is of Russian origin, being derived from the given name Schaya (simplified from Schayakh). It is thought to have originated as an occupational nickname, and ultimately derives from the Late Hebrew word ‘šayakh’ meaning ‘hawk’. The name therefore presumably initially referred to someone who was associated with hawks in some way, such as a falconer or hunter.
The earliest recorded use of the name is from 1260 when one 'Schayakh i Tsynino' is mentioned in a document from the Espensk archive in Eastern Europe. This indicates that the name was already in use in Russia during the 13th century.
Today, Schaika is still seen as being associated with Eastern Europe. However, it is also present in other countries, including the United States, where it is used as both a surname and a given name.
The surname is sometimes spelled Schayka or Schayakh, particularly in Russia, and has a number of variant forms. These include Sheika, Shéika, Shika, Shinka, Schéyka, Schéyka and Sheyka.
Whichever way it is spelled, Schaika is a unique surname full of fascinating history. It is the perfect name for anyone hoping to honor their ancestors and the foundation of their family.
Order DNA origin analysisSchaika: Where does the name Schaika come from?
The last name Schaika is most common today in the former Yugoslavia. It is derived from the old Slavic word Ščaika or Ščajka, which translates to "fisherman". This reflects how the Schaika surname is most commonly found among those of fisherman and coastal-area ancestry.
The Schaikas have been around for centuries, originating from the shores of the Adriatic Sea in Croatia. Today, it is still most common in Croatia, Montenegro and Serbia. Schaikas are also found in numerous other areas with a Slavic heritage, including parts of Slovenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and other Balkan nations.
Aside from the regions of the former Yugoslavia, Schaikas are also known to have migrated to the United States, Australia, Canada, and other parts of Europe during the past few centuries. However, there are still a relatively small number of Schaikas abroad compared to those living in the former Yugoslavian countries.
The Schaika surname is not limited to a certain ethnicity or religion either as it is found among Christian, Jewish, Muslim, and atheist families in various parts of the former Yugoslavia. Overall, the last name Schaika is believed to be an old Slavic name and is still most common in the former Yugoslavian nations today.
Variations of the surname Schaika
The surname Schaika has various different variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. Some of the most common variants of the original name are Schayka, Schiaka, Scheka, Schica, Chayka, Sheika, Shayka, Shiaka, Sheka, and Shika.
The variant Schayka is predominantly found in Russia and Ukraine, and is based on the Ukrainian term for ‘lovebird’. The spelling Schiaka is the Russian version of this name, used in areas such as Belarus, Latvia, and the northern part of Ukraine. Similarly, the spelling Schika is mainly used in western Ukraine.
The variant Chayka is also found in Russia and Ukraine, and is derived from the Ukrainian word for ‘gull’ or 'seagull'. The spelling Sheika is found mainly in Russia and Kazakhstan, and likely comes from the Arabic title meaning ‘chief’ or 'prince'. Shayka, Shiaka, Sheka, and Shika are all alternate spellings of the same word.
Variants of the surname Schaika can also be found in other countries as well. For example, the variants Szekely, Szecsi, and Szik are all used in Hungary. The surname Szik is also found in Slovakia. Additionally, in the United States, variants such as Sciacca, Scase, Shacke, Shack, and Skypeck have settled in various regions.
Famous people with the name Schaika
- Mikhail Schaika: Mikhail Schaika was a professional Russian volleyball player who competed in the 2000 Summer Olympics. He is best known for his technical prowess and keen insight into the game.
- Pavel Schaika: Pavel Schaika was a Soviet cyclist, who was world champion in the Pursuit in 1950, as well as being 7-time Soviet track cycling champion.
- Lev Gleason-Schaika: Lev Gleason Schaika was an American fencer who competed in the 1932 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.
- Dimitri Schaika: Dimitri Schaika was a French Greco-Roman wrestler, who competed in the 1928 and 1932 Summer Olympics and 1936 Greco-Roman wrestling World Championships.
- Mikhaly Schaika: Mikhaly Schaika was a former Soviet-Estonian Greco-Roman wrestler, who won a gold medal in the Flyweight division at the 1950 European Championships.
- Alexander Schaika: Alexander Schaika was a former Soviet Greco-Roman wrestler, who won a silver medal in the Welterweight class at the 1965 European Championship.
- Walter Schaika: Walter Schalka was a German painter, draftsman, watercolorist and mosaicist of the 20th century. He had a major influence in the construction of the main train station in Berlin, the Leipzig-Dresden Railway and was an ardent student of architecture and history.
- Dmitri Schaika: Dmitri Schaika was a former Soviet Greco-Roman wrestler, who won a bronze medal in the Featherweight class at the 1980 European Championship.