Surname Schlichter - Meaning and Origin
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Schlichter: What does the surname Schlichter mean?
Schlichter is a surname of German origin. The term "schlichter" in German translates to "mediator" or “conciliator” in English. The word “schlichten” means to arbitrate, mediate, or settle, which suggests that the family name could have possibly originated from someone who had the occupation of a mediator or arbitrator. Like many other surnames, it is likely that it was adopted as a means to identify individuals with a common ancestor or to denote personal characteristics, residence or occupation. Also, Schlicht means plain or simple in German, and is used to describe someone plain-speaking or straightforward. Therefore, Schlichter surname may also denote these characteristics. However, it is important to keep in mind that name origins can be region-specific and meanings can vary based on different cultural, historical, and regional contexts, so there is not always one definitive meaning for a surname.
Order DNA origin analysisSchlichter: Where does the name Schlichter come from?
The last name Schlichter is mainly found in areas of Germany, specifically in the German Bay region. It is also quite common in Swiss and Austrian regions as well. The Schlichter name is also popular in the United States, with particular clusters found in Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, and Nebraska. The name is thought to have originated in the Westphalia region of Germany, and spread to other areas with its bearers' migration.
In Germany, areas where the Schlichter surname is particularly common include Saxony-Anhalt and Lower Saxony. There is also a strong presence of the name in the eastern portion of Germany, such as Saxony, Brandenburg, and Thuringia.
In the United States, the Schlichter name is most prevalent in the Midwest area, particularly in Nebraska, Iowa, Illinois, and Wisconsin. While the name is not as widespread in other parts of the country, there are still significant numbers to be found in Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, and New York.
Overall, the Schlichter name is mainly still found in Germany and its surrounding areas, but it has also migrated further across Europe, and even reached the United States. Wherever they may live, the Schlichter name and its bearers continue to leave a lasting impression and make their mark.
Variations of the surname Schlichter
The surname Schlichter is of German origin and has several alternative spellings, such as Schlechter, Schlicht, Schlecht, Schlöchterer, Schlegal, Siechter, Schleichter, and Schlichtermann.
Variant surnames include the German Schlichting, Schliting, Schlicting, Schlitting, Schlüting, Schlechtling, Schechtling, Schlochter, Schlechtlein, Schlechtle, Schlegel, and Schlegell. Every family with the Schlichter surname likely has its own unique origin story, as most of these variations have exact or similar spellings in both the German and English languages.
In German-speaking countries, the Schlichter variation of the surname traces back to Middle Ages when its roots were found in Northern Germany. For example, early recordings of the surname include Backo Schlichter, a German live-in servant who lived in Tübingen, Germany, in the year 1313, and Agnes Schlütter, who lived in Fritzlar, Germany, in the year 1539.
In the English-speaking world, the Schlichter name is much less common, and its spelling has been altered in many cases to appear as "Slaughter". This particular spelling is most associated with the English city of Worcester, where the Schlichter family likely settled during the 1800s. The earliest recorded Englishman with the surname Slaughterer was John Sclaughterer from Lancashire England, who was born in the year 1821.
The Schlichter surname can also be found in the Netherlands, Luxembourg, and Scandinavia, where the spelling is usually Schlecht or Schlechter. In the 19th century, several individuals by the surname Schlecht emigrated from these countries to the United States, most notably Jacob Schlecht, who was born in Luxembourg in 1845.
Famous people with the name Schlichter
- Bert Schlichter: Former NFL quarterback and Sports Analyst for WTTV-TV in Indianapolis
- Chris Schlichter: American businessman and founder of Schlichter Bogard & Denton, a St. Louis-based law firm
- Heidi Schlichter: Swiss alpine skier
- Karla Schlichter: German historian and art historian
- Karl Schlichter: Austrian painter
- Max Schlichter: German poet
- Mike Schlichter: Former NFL tight end and sports agent
- Paul Schlichter: German public servant
- Paul Schlichter Jr.: American diplomat and author
- Richard Schlichter: Austrian painter
- Richard Schlichter Jr.: Austrian surgeon
- Tobias Schlichter: German illustrator and engraver
- Wolfgang Schlichter: Former German professional footballer