Surname Schlezak - Meaning and Origin

Schlezak: What does the surname Schlezak mean?

The last name Schlezak is of German origin. Generally, it is thought to be derived from the German word “schlechtes” which translates to “bad” or “not good”. This suggests that the original form of the name is likely a nickname that was given to an ancestor, likely one who was known for having a negative attitude or bad luck. It could also be derived from a geographical location or feature.

The first recorded example of the name dates back to 1453, when a man named Johannes Schlezak was listed in the Burg register of Rinnthal, Germany. This suggests that the name had already been in use for some time before it was recorded. From what we can tell, it has been used as a surname in Germany for centuries, and the spelling of the name has stayed consistent throughout this time.

Today, the Schlezak name is not particularly common. However, there are still people who bear the name, and they can be found living in various parts of the world. In general, the Schlezak name has always had a heavy association with Germany. People with this name can trace their heritage back to various parts of the country, and it could be a symbol of their strong German heritage.

Schlezak: Where does the name Schlezak come from?

The last name Schlezak is most common throughout Germany, as well as parts of Austria and Switzerland. It is estimated that approximately 25,000 people carry the name, although its origin is still debated. The most popular theory is that the surname has German roots, derived from the old German word “Schlösser,” meaning “fortress” or “residence.”

The name has been present in German records since at least the 15th century, and it is now commonly found distributed among the country’s thirty-one federal states. In the near future, it's also likely to spread further abroad, as increased global mobility and emigration help to spread the name across the globe.

Migrants have taken the Schlezak name to a variety of countries, outside of its core homeland. Records have indicated that the name has been embraced in the United States and Canada, in particular, with some members of the Schlezak family also appearing in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, and parts of South America.

Despite its German roots, today the Schlezak name continues to be widely useful. Thanks to its adaptability and broad appeal, it is no longer solely a Germanic name but an international one. Consequently, those carrying the Schlezak surname can expect to find others with the same name scattered all around the world.

Variations of the surname Schlezak

Schlezak is a surname of German origin that is frequently found in Central and Eastern Europe, particularly in Germany, Austria, Ukraine and the Czech Republic. Common spellings of the surname include Schlesak, Schlesakk, Schlessek, Schlesek, Schlezek and Schleseck. Variants of the name include Schlesing, Schlesinger, Schleschinger and Schlesensky.

The original form of the surname is believed to stem from the Medieval German term ‘slezak’ or ‘scheles’ which translates to ‘of the shelter’ or ‘place of refuge’. This was sometimes used as an occupational surname to refer to a person who worked at a public shelter or was responsible for taking people to safety during a storm.

The Schlezak surname is also found in other countries, with various other spellings in different languages. In Poland, the form ‘Szlesak’ is used, while in Hungary it is ‘Szilágyi’. In Slovakia it is used as ‘Szlezeszke’ or ‘Szlesák’, while in Serbia it is ‘Sleskar’ and in Romania, ‘Slescanu’.

The Schlezak family traces their roots back to the early eleventh century when they were known as “The Lords of Slez” in medieval Germany. It is speculated the family was of Germanic Frankish descent. Later members of the family migrated across Europe and beyond, where the surname developed its many regional variations. Today, the Schlezak surname can be found in many parts of the world, though its frequency and spellings may vary by country.

Famous people with the name Schlezak

• Theodor Schlezak (1858–1922): Austrian philosopher, theologian, and writer.
• Marie Schlezak (1905-1977): Austrian writer and journalist.
• Hans Schlesak (1904–1996): Austrian painter and sculptor.
• Walter Schlezak (1907-1996): Austrian sculptor.
• Oskar Schlezak (1874-1932): Austrian painter and stained glass artist.
• Fred Schlezak (1930-2012): American jazz musician and composer.
• Konrad Schlezak (1937-2014): Austrian film director, screenwriter and producer.
• Paul Schlezak (1873-1919): Austrian composer, conductor and music critic.
• Hertha Schlezak (1921-1991): Austrian/Jewish author and vocalist.
• Angela Schlezak (born 1965): Austrian television presenter.

Other surnames

Schlezack