Surname Schlipper - Meaning and Origin

Schlipper: What does the surname Schlipper mean?

The last name Schlipper has German roots and can be divided into two different categories. The first, and more likely, is derived from the German word "schlipfen" meaning to ‘whittle’. This suggests a connection to craftsmen and artisans like carpenters, builders, and wood makers. This is likely the most common origin for the Schlipper name since it is a common craft-based job among the Germanic people.

The second possible origin of the Schlipper name is derived from the German word “schlippen” meaning to ‘skip over’. This suggests a connection to people who were more likely to wander or migrate from one area to another. It is possible that this group of Schlipper’s were farmers or traders moving goods and services to different regions in search of the best opportunities.

Since Schlipper is a relatively common German name, it is difficult to determine a definite origin. However, both possible origins involve hard work and a willingness to travel whether it be hauling goods or crafting objects. This is an indication of a strong, driven, and adventurous people that no matter the origin of the Schlipper family name, the spirit of hard work and exploration will persist.

Schlipper: Where does the name Schlipper come from?

The last name Schlipper is a fairly rare name, but it can still be found in certain regions of the world today.

Schlipper is a German surname, most likely originating from Schlepper, a term for someone who ferried goods or animal carts over land. The earliest known Schlipper family was found in Bavaria in the 18th century.

The name Schlipper seems to have mainly stayed in Germany, though there are some found in other parts of Europe. Notably, there is quite a large concentration of the name Schlipper in Israel. This may be due to the fact that many German Jews emigrated to Israel in the 1930s and 1940s, taking their family names with them.

In the United States, the name Schlipper is not as popular as it is in Germany or Israel. Census records indicate that there are only a few thousand people with this last name in the United States, making it a fairly uncommon name stateside.

However, even in the United States, it can be found in certain areas. Specifically, there are greater concentrations of Schlipper in New Jersey, California, and Pennsylvania. Thus, if you’re looking for someone with the last name Schlipper, these are the best places to start your search.

Variations of the surname Schlipper

The variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin for the surname Schlipper are Schlapper, Schlepper, Schlippert, Schlipp, and Schlip.

Schlipper, or its variants and spellings, likely originated in German speaking areas. The word is composed of the German word, “Schleppen,” which means “to drag or to tow.” It is a topographic or occupational surname, meaning that it refers to someone who owned or worked on land associated with towing, dragging, or moving things—perhaps a cart puller, ferryman, or someone who lugged goods between destinations. As such, it is considered an occupational surname.

Variants of the name Schlipper include Schlapper, Schlepper, Schlippert, Schlipp, and Schlip. All of these variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin likely evolved from regional dialects of German. Further, they may also have been adopted by different branches of the Schlipper family who had dispersed and settled in various regions, distancing themselves from their East Germanic origin and other branches of the family.

It is possible that today, most current family members with this surname may not be aware of the German etymology of their surname. Furthermore, it is likely that most do not recognize the various related spellings of the same origin. Despite its Germanic roots, the Schlipper surname is found in various countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom, and elsewhere.

Famous people with the name Schlipper

• Joseph Schlipper (1919–1945), French Resistance officer and politician
• Mark Schlipper (born 1942), American politician
• Stephen Schlipper (born 1952), American writer and professor of Jewish Studies
• David Schlipper (born 1956), American businessman
• Adeline Schlipper (born 1958), French magician
• Alice Schlipper (born 1960), Brazilian sculptor
• Cynthia Schlipper (born 1962), American film and television director and producer
• Phil Schlipper (born 1963), American politician
• Thomas Schlipper (born 1966), German footballer
• Angelique Schlipper (born 1968), French journalist and writer
• Jens Schlipper (born 1970), German footballer
• Roy Schlipper (born 1975), Dutch volleyball player
• Kurt Schlipper (born 1977), Belgian composer
• André Schlipper (born 1982), German basketball player
• Juliana Schlipper (born 1986), Brazilian Paralympic shot putter
• Britta Schlipper (born 1987), German triathlete
• Lina Schlipper (born 1988), German beach volleyball player

Other surnames

SchlipphackeSchlipphak