Surname Schlichte - Meaning and Origin
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Schlichte: What does the surname Schlichte mean?
The last name Schlichte is a German surname derived from the German word “schlichte”, which means "plain, simple". It was originally given as an occupational name to someone in the textile industry who crafted fabric that was unornamented or plain.
The name is often spelled in its various forms across European countries. Other variations include Schlichten, Schlichter, Schlichtmann, and Schlichtewitz.
The optimisim associated with the name is rooted in its origins. It symbolizes a down-to-earth, straightforward attitude. Those with the last name Schlichte are often seen as humble, honest, and altruistic individuals.
The name also suggests someone who is viewed favorably for their modesty. It implies a tendency to not seek praise or recognition.
The ancestors of the Schlichte family lived in Mecklenburg-West Pomerania, an area in north-Eastern Germany noted for its fertile land and beautiful landscape. It is believed that the family originally moved to the region in the 18th or 19th century in search of better opportunities.
In modern times, the Schlichte name is no longer associated with an occupation. Instead, it serves as a reminder of the hardworking people of the past, and of the importance of maintaining a plain, honest outlook on life.
Order DNA origin analysisSchlichte: Where does the name Schlichte come from?
The last name Schlichte is common mainly in Germany, according to surname distribution data. It is most prevalent in the northern and eastern parts, particularly in East Germany and former East Prussia. Schlichte is also found in the surrounding countries such as Austria, Poland and the Czech Republic, but to a lesser degree than in Germany. In the United States, the name is concentrated in some of the midwestern states, such as Wisconsin, Minnesota, Nebraska and North Dakota. This is likely a reflection of the wave of 19th and 20th century German and other central and eastern European immigrants who moved to these states in search of a better life.
The Schlichte family name is derived from the Low German word schlichte, meaning plain or simple. It is therefore likely that it was given to someone who was regarded as honest, straightforward and reliable as opposed to flashy or boastful. It is also possible that the name was originally flavored with an ironic or humorous intention when applied to someone who was in fact anything but simple.
Schlichte is still a fairly common name today, although it is less likely to be found in the United States than in central and eastern Europe. It is likely to remain common in Germany due to its strong ethnic identity and long history in the region.
Variations of the surname Schlichte
The surname Schlichte is of German origin and usually appears in the spelling Schlichte, Schlichten, Schlichter and Schlicht. Other variants of the same surname include Schlichtemeier, Schlichtman, Schlichtmann and Schlichtmeyer.
Schlichte, derived from the German word schlicht, is a surname that can be translated to mean 'plain, simple or normal'. Due to the adaptability of the language it can be seen in the form of Schlichtemeier, Schlichtman, Schlichtmann and Schlichtmeyer too.
Schlichtemeier is derived from the root word schlicht, plus the Old German word meier, which refers to a bailiff, magistrate or mayor. In some cases Schlichtemeiner has been used as a variant. Schlichtman refers to ‘plain man’ or a person rooted in simplicity, while Schlichtmann is derived from the same root words but Spelled with the suffix -mann, meaning ‘man of’. Schlichtmeyer is a compound of schlicht and meyer, which translates to mean “plain” and “farmer” and would have been used to describe a peasant or rural worker.
The Schlichte surname is common across Europe with many descendants living in the United States, Canada, Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, Mexico and South America. It is also common in Poland, Austria, and the Netherlands.
Famous people with the name Schlichte
- Andrea Schlichte: the Vice President of Digital & Social Media at Disney ABC Television Group.
- Devin Schlichte: a former professional baseball player who played in the Major Leagues with the Kansas City Royals.
- Christian Schlichte: a German Olympic swimmer who participated in the 2012 Summer Olympic Games in London.
- Harrison Schlichte: an American actor who has appeared in numerous television series and films, including Grey’s Anatomy, NCIS: Los Angeles, and The Orville.
- Franz Schlichte: a German World War II bomber pilot that held the rank of Leutnant.
- Helga Schlichte: the Head of the Student Affairs Office at the Universität der Künste in Berlin.
- Stephanie Schlichte: an American fashion designer, stylist and CEO of the up-and-coming fashion label SK9.
- Alvin Schlichte: the founder of the The Way of Life Church in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
- James Schlichte: a professor of Nutrition Science at Northwestern University in Illinois.
- Gary Schlichte: a former songwriter, pianist, and studio musician who has performed with bands like Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young and The Doors.