Surname Schlef - Meaning and Origin
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Schlef: What does the surname Schlef mean?
The last name Schlef is of German origin and is a topographical surname. It was given to someone who lived near a ravine or cleft in the ground. It is derived from the Middle High German word “schlif,” which is translated to mean “channel” or “ravine.” It is also thought to have its root from the Old High German language where the word “slif” had the same meaning.
The name can appear as Schlef, Schleff, Schleifer or Schleiffer, amongst other variations.
This surname is generally first found in the Lower Rhine region of Germany, where it likely originated in the Middle Ages. Records of the name Schlef date back to the 15th century when it was documented in the Heidelberg region in 1494.
Many members of the Schlef family had settled in North America by the mid-1800s. They predominantly settled in Texas, Pennsylvania, and other areas of the souther US. They were pioneers of industry and agriculture in their respective regions, often working as farmers and carpenters.
Today, the surname Schlef is still common in Germany, as well as North America. It is a unique and interesting surname that is sure to have an interesting story behind it.
Order DNA origin analysisSchlef: Where does the name Schlef come from?
The surname Schlef is a rare one, and is currently only found in small pockets around the world. It has its origin in Germany, where it is believed to have been an occupational name meaning 'shoemaker'. It is not a particularly common name still found in the country today, represented by a handful of individuals scattered throughout the country.
Outside of Germany, the name has spread into other countries, albeit gradually. It is still found in several small numbers in countries such as Austria, Switzerland, and the Netherlands. In North America, it appears primarily in the United States and Canada, though it is again a very rare name in both countries.
It is not a particularly common name, but can still be found in small numbers scattered across different parts of the world. It is often found amongst descendants of immigrants from Germany, who brought the name with them when they settled in their new home countries. This has led to its spread and persistence in several countries today.
Despite its rarity, the name Schlef is still alive and kicking today and is often found in families descended from German immigrants. Its few scattered paper-trails hint at the tale of a name that crossed borders and ocean in search of new homes, and that is still remembered today - though just barely.
Variations of the surname Schlef
The surname Schlef has several possible variants of the same origin. The most common variation is Schleef, which has its root in the German word "schleifen" meaning to polish or to smoothen. It can also be spelt Schleef,Schleffe, Schleifer, Schleifle, Schleiff, Schleiffer, and Sleef.
Other spelling variants include Schlief, origin to the Low German word "schlief" meaning north wind; Schleh, originated from the German word "schlehen" meaning to quench; Schliff, from the Germanic word "schliff" meaning gully or ravine; Schliefer, from the Middle German word "schliefer" meaning sly one; and Schliefler, descended from the German words "schleifer" or "schliffer" meaning polishers.
Some other surnames derived from the same origin are Solif, Schlif, Schlep, Schlepper and Schlesing. The Czech variant of this surname is Šlejf, while the Austrian versions are Sleif, Schlief, Schleif, Schleifen, Schleifer and Schleifpfl.
In conclusion, the most common variant of the surname Schlef is Schleef, however there are several other spelling variations of the same origin, as well as various surnames with the same origin.
Famous people with the name Schlef
- Johanna Schlef: German chess International Master who also featured in multiple German TV shows.
- Matilda Schlef: French athlete, winner of the 1988 Ladies' Canadian Senior Figure Skating Championships.
- Abra Schlef: American drummer who has performed with Sky Pony, True Groove All-Stars, and James Maddock.
- Annegret Schlef: German actress who appeared in films such as Halbe Treppe and Better Than Chocolate.
- Uwe Schlef: German journalist and television producer who has worked for outlets like ARD, ZDF, 3sat andastera.
- Marek Schlef: Polish composer who recorded music for films such as Wild Hunt, Uprising and Margaret.
- Kate Schlef: American actor who has appeared in the shows Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt and Orange Is the New Black.
- Julius Schlef: Czech-American film actor who appeared in Hollywood movies such as The Princess and the Rider and Masquerade.
- Theo Schlef: German multimedia artist whose works include installations, sculptures, and drawings.
- Lois Schlef: American actress who starred in TVs series such as Fresh Off the Boat and Modern Family.