Surname Schlotzhauer - Meaning and Origin
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Schlotzhauer: What does the surname Schlotzhauer mean?
The surname Schlotzhauer is an German topographic surname that refers to a person who lived by or near a sluice. The name can be translated to mean “lock keeper” and derives from the Middle High German words “slotz” meaning “lock”, and “houwer” meaning “guard”, or “keeper”.
Sluices are watercourse structures that are designed to regulate the flow of water by controlling its access route or direction. In the Middle Ages, the keeper of a sluice was an important and respected community member, responsible for managing the flow of water for the purpose of navigation, sanitation, irrigation, and protecting the landowners from flooding.
It is important to note that the Schlotzhauer surname was derived before surnames were supposed to be fixed and inherited. Consequently, members of the same family line may not have carried the same surname; instead, the name was most likely derived from a place they, at one time, lived or occupied.
The Schlotzhauer family’s descendents are primarily found in the southern region of Germany, in Bavaria and Silesia, as well as the Czech Republic, Switzerland, and the United States. Many of the characteristics associated with the Schlotzhauer family are respect for nature and a strong work ethic. Today, the Schlotzhauer family continue to be active in various political and social movements throughout Europe, the United States, and beyond.
Order DNA origin analysisSchlotzhauer: Where does the name Schlotzhauer come from?
The last name Schlotzhauer is of German origin and is most commonly found in the region of southern Germany and Austria. The name is derived from German word 'schlotz,' which means 'swath.' This is a reference to a type of meadow that is cut back for hay production. In Germany, the Schlotzhauer surname is most common in states such as Bavaria, Baden-Württemberg, and Saxony. The surname is also present in Austria, as well as in other German-speaking countries such as Switzerland, Luxembourg, and Liechtenstein.
In the United States, Schlotzhauer may be seen in the larger cities, as many German immigrants have settled there. In particular the states of Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Wisconsin, have notable German-immigrant populations. There are also very small Schlotzhauer populations in Canada, South Africa, and even in Brazil.
In the recent years, the surname Schlotzhauer has been further scattered across many parts of Europe, as well as across the world to North and South America, Australia and New Zealand. The Schlotzhauer surname is, today, more commonly found in the United States and Canada.
Variations of the surname Schlotzhauer
The surname Schlotzhauer is defined as an occupational name, originating from German lands in Europe, and is derived from the Middle High German word schlote, meaning “slotted roof”.
Variations of the name Schlotzhauer include Schlotzhauer, Schlochauer, Schlotzauer, Schlatshauer, Schlachauer, Schlatshau, Schlachau, Schlachor, and Schloter. These variants are all derived from the same root word, schlote.
For example, the spelling Schlochauer originated from the word schloch, meaning “notch”. The spelling Schlotzauer is derived from the word schlotz, meaning “slot”.
Additionally, some variants of the surname Schlotzhauer are connected to other surnames, such as Escorch and Escorche. These names are connected to the word escorche, meaning “weatherstrip”. Similarly, the variant Schlosser is derived from the word schlosser, which means “locksmith”.
Whether pronounced “Schlotch-how-er”, “Schlach-how-er”, “Schlots-how-er”, or otherwise, the surname of Schlotzhauer is an ancient occupational name that has developed several variations, spellings, and branch surnames over the years.
Famous people with the name Schlotzhauer
- Leon Schlotzhauer- American actor and writer known for various roles in 90s films such as A League of Their Own, Airheads, and Dumb & Dumber.
- Louise Schlotzhauer- an American actress best known for her roles in the TV drama series Loving and Knots Landing.
- Ernst Schlotzhauer-American entrepreneur and real estate investor who bought and developed many properties in Denver, Colorado during the 1800s.
- Wolfgang Schlotzhauer- Austrian-born American painter and sculptor who received the National Medal of Arts from President Ronald Reagan.
- Franz Schlotzhauer- German-born American architect who designed and constructed many buildings in Chicago and around the Midwest including Assumption Cathedral in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
- Gunter Schlotzhauer- German composer and conductor known for his works on tremolo and the inclusion of musical elements from other cultures.
- Peter Schlotzhauer- Swiss-born film director and producer best known for his work on the 2019 documentary Wargasm.
- Manfred Schlotzhauer- German-born professor of psychology at the University of Heidelberg who is known for his research on optimal personality development and psychosocial development.
- Elisabeth Schlotzhauer- German-born professor of communication science at the University of Vienna who has published many books and articles on media representation, racism, and the connection between the media and society.
- Sebastian Schlotzhauer- Austrian-born sculptor and painter whose works are widely exhibited in galleries and museums throughout Europe.