Surname Schlichenmeyer - Meaning and Origin

Schlichenmeyer: What does the surname Schlichenmeyer mean?

The last name Schlichenmeyer is of German lineage and can be traced back to a region of Germany known as Lower Saxony. The name is thought to derive from the words “schlichen” or “schlick” which mean “soft” and “meyer” which is derived from the word “meier” and means “farmer.” The name then translates to “soft farmer,” likely given as a title to someone performing a job that required a high level of hand dexterity. It could also be a reference to making delicate decisions on a farm, thus the meaning fit the occupation.

The Schlichenmeyer family started to migrate from Germany in the mid 1800s, settling first in the United States and eventually in many other countries.

The Schlichenmeyers of today are a diverse group of individuals with a wide range of interests and occupations. While some have stayed true to their farming heritage, others have pursued careers in other industries. Many of them are creative-minded entrepreneurs, utilizing the creativity their forebears must have had in making careful decisions with a farm.

Schlichenmeyers today have made an impact in many areas including literature, medicine, music, sports and public service. Whether they are making their mark in the corporate world, or standing out as true professionals in their chosen field, members of this family have something tangible to be proud of. As a result of their hard work and dedication to their chosen paths, the Schlichenmeyer name carries a great legacy going forward.

Schlichenmeyer: Where does the name Schlichenmeyer come from?

The last name Schlichenmeyer is a German surname, likely originating from East Frisia, a region within Lower Saxony, Germany.

The Schlichenmeyer surname likely began as a toponymic, or last name derived from the location where the individual lived. The root of the name comes from the German words for “sliuht,” meaning “serving people,” and the term “meyer,” which is a prefix commonly used in many Germanic names.

Today, Schlichenmeyer is still a relatively common surname in Germany, and especially in Lower Saxony. It can also be found throughout Europe, particularly in France, Belgium, and Austria. A few individuals bearing the surname can even be found in countries outside Europe.

In the United States, Schlichenmeyer is primarily located in areas with large immigrant populations, such as Texas, California, New Jersey, and New York. However, it is not as common as in some European countries. In terms of Canada, most individuals bearing the last name live in Alberta and British Columbia, likely due to the large population of immigrants in those two provinces.

Overall, Schlichenmeyer is still a relatively common name in Germany and Europe, with small pockets of individuals bearing the name in the United States and Canada.

Variations of the surname Schlichenmeyer

The surname Schlichenmeyer has several versions and variants associated with it. It is also common to find different spellings and surnames all sharing the same origin. Common alternative spellings for the surname include Schlichtmeyer, Schlichtemeyer, Schlichmeyer, Schlichtmeijer, Schlickmeijer, Schlichtemeijer, Slichtemeijer, Slextemyer, Schlectemyer, Schlickmeijer, and Schlechtmeijer.

Surnames of the same origin include Schlicht, Schlichtman, Schlichmann, Schlichtmann, Schlichtkamp, Schlichtkamp, Schlichtkemp, Schlichkemp, Schlichtkemper, Schlichkemper, Schlichtenderke, Schlichterke, Schlichter, and Schlichtemeijer.

The surname Schlichenmeyer is derived from the German word 'lichtemeyer' which translated to English - 'shiner of light'. According to the source, Family Search, the surname was that of a discussion for a person who worked with lights, be it glass lights, metal lanterns or other types of lighting devices. This may suggest that the earliest bearers were involved in the trade of metalworking and glassworking, or that they may have been candlemakers.

We can also see that the surname is derived from the Middle High German word 'lichtemeier' which was recorded in the form of 'lichtenmeiger' in 1239 in 'Upper Saxony' in documents of the time. This suggests that these people were probably serfs and indicated that they were included in the feudal social system.

In the UK, the surname is seen as 'Lykensmith' but where it comes from is unclear. It is suggested that this could most likely be a variation of the Germanic surname but more research would be needed to prove this.

Overall the surname Schlichenmeyer appears to be of Germanic origin and has several variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin. It is also linked to a trade of metalworking and glassworking or candle making which could explain the origin of the name.

Famous people with the name Schlichenmeyer

• Burkhard Schlichting: Burkhard Schlichting is a German writer, director, and producer. He is best known for writing and directing the films Men in the City (2008), and It's Me, Hilary (2015).
• William Schlichting: William Schlichting is a Chilean actor who has starred in multiple movies such as Labyrinth of Passion (1982), Sigma (1985), and Brother (1997).
• Erich von Schlichting: Erich von Schlichting was an important military leader for the German Empire during World War I. He was known for being an avid supporter of air power and aviation.
• Horst Schlichting: Horst Schlichting is a German historian and professor who specializes in social, military, and economic history. He also works as a professor at the University of Kempten and is a co-founder of the Historische Kommission für Augsburg und Schwaben.
• George Schlichenmeyer: George Schlichenmeyer is a sportswriter and author from America. He is best known for writing about high school sports and is the author of several books such as Reflections on Life, Sport, and Death and Reflections on Life, Sport, and Faith.
• Robert Schlichting: Robert Schlichting is an American professor of music and percussion at the University of Georgia. He is a commissioned composer and has performed with many orchestras including the North Carolina Symphony and the Houston Symphony.
• Anne Schlichting: Anne Schlichting is an American pianist and composer. She received a bachelor's degree from the Mannes College of Music and has been a featured pianist in numerous festivals and concerts.
• Susan Schlichting: Susan Schlichting is a professor of ethics at the University of Arizona and the author of The Picturesque Prison: Ethics, Aesthetics, and the Venetian Inquisition (2015). She is an expert on Dante and Renaissance aesthetics.

Other surnames

Schlichenmeier