Surname Schirak - Meaning and Origin
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Schirak: What does the surname Schirak mean?
The last name Schirak is of German origin and translates to “shield” or “protecting wall”. It likely derives from the Old High German word “sciran”, meaning “cover or protect”. This suggests the source of the last name is a military reference, likely from a family with a reputation for bravery in battle or a proud warrior heritage.
This suggests that Schiraks are seen as a family of protectors, with a long tradition of defending and standing up for what is right. This can be seen in many cultures where the warriors link to strong societal protection - be it from invaders, political adversaries, or another form of perceived threat.
The concept of protection can also be seen on a smaller, more personal level between families. In this way, Schiraks can also be seen to represent a sense of safety and security, suggesting that family is the first line of defence against any danger. Additionally, with the cultural and historical associations of Schiraks being firmly rooted in protection and courage, the last name also carries a deep sense of loyalty and strength.
Finally, the last name Schirak suggests boldness, as well as the willingness to bravely take on a challenge or danger. This suggests that Schiraks can be seen as risk-takers who are willing to put themselves in challenging situations in an effort to protect the ones they love.
Order DNA origin analysisSchirak: Where does the name Schirak come from?
The last name Schirak is most common in the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Romania. In the Czech Republic, the surname is spelled "Šírek". The Schirak surname likely originated in Slovakia or Bohemia in the Medieval era and was first recorded in the 13th century. It is thought that the name was derived from a personal name derived from the Slavic elements ‘skir’ meaning ‘split’ or ‘cut,’ and ‘ak’ meaning ‘person’, suggesting that the original bearer of the name had wide facial features or was a keenly observant person.
In Slovakia, Schirak is primarily concentrated in Bratislava and is also commonly found in the surrounding regions. In Romania, the surname is most commonly found in the Transylvania and northern Moldavia regions. It is also found in Hungary, primarily in Budapest and in some rural Hungarian communities.
In the United States, Schirak is a rare last name with less than one thousand individuals bearing it, according to a 2006 census. The majority of those who do bear the surname are concentrated in the northeastern states of Delaware, New Jersey, and New York, as well as in Florida and Texas.
In Canada, the surname is most common in Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba. There are also a few families living in Ontario and British Columbia.
The Schirak surname is also found in various countries in Europe, including Germany, France, Italy, Austria, Spain, and Greece—of which the majority of individuals are of Eastern European descent. It is also found in Russia, Belarus, and Ukraine.
Variations of the surname Schirak
The surname Schirak is an ancient German surname from the region of Sachsen, Germany. It is believed to have been derived from the German word “schir” which means peace and serenity and as such may have originally been used by someone who brought peace or was peaceful in nature. The variants of Schirak include Schirack, Schirakk, Schirackk, Schirakke, Sherak, Scherack and Schereck.
In the United States, the Schirak surname is occasionally spelled as Scherrach, Schirach, Schirreck, Shirer, Sharick, or Shryock. In Eastern Europe, Schirak is often spelled as Shirakov, Shirakovski and Sherokovo.
In Israel, Schirak is a common Sephardic Jewish surname, and can be spelled as Shirock, Sherok, Schirock, Shiroka and Scherak. In Russia, the surname Schirak is often spelled Scherakov.
In Germany, the surname Schirak is sometimes spelled Schirr, Schirre, Schirmeck, Schirmecken or Schereck. In dutch records, it is often spelled as Scherren or Scherrens. Other spellings include Scerka, Scharka, Scherer, Singler and Schirar.
It is also notable that the Schirak family has surnames related to it, including Schirmann, Schirmer and Schirrmeister.
Famous people with the name Schirak
- Rainer Schirak: Rainer Schirak is a German football player, currently playing for FC Schalke 04.
- Victor Schirak: Victor Schirak is a Russian-born actor, best known for his roles in films such as The Great Race, The Mummy, and The Scorpion King.
- Claus Schirak: Claus Schirak is a German politician who has served in the Bundestag for the Free Democratic Party since 1998.
- Axel Schirak: Axel Schirak is a German jazz musician and composer, best known for his rhythmic jazz solos on piano.
- Luka Schirak: Luka Schirak is a Czech professional ice hockey player who plays for HC Ocelari Trinec in the Czech Extraliga.
- Julius Schirak: Julius Schirak is a German actor, known for his roles in films such as Summer Heat and The Abandoned Man.
- Viktor Schirak: Viktor Schirak was a German composer and pianist, noted for his works in the late classical and romantic era.
- Helga Schirak: Helga Schirak was an Austrian actress, most famous for her portrayals of the housewife or the mother figure.
- Erich Schirak: Erich Schirak was an Austrian physicist and professor at the University of Vienna, noted for his research in quantum mechanics.
- Romy Schirak: Romy Schirak is an Austrian pop singer and songwriter, best known for her singles “Time For A Change” and “My Dream”.