Surname Selk - Meaning and Origin
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Selk: What does the surname Selk mean?
The last name Selk is of German origin and is found in many German-speaking countries. The name Selk originates from the German word "selke", which means "a small coat". This suggests that the name may have been derived from the name of someone who wore such a type of coat, such as a tailor or furrier.
The name can also be found as Selkow, Sellke, and Selkowitz. This suggests that the surname may have originally been derived from a location, such as a village or town, with "selke" or “sellke” in its name.
Alternatively, there is also a possibility that the Selk surname is derived from other German words, such as poetic terms for “great” or “valiant”.
The German Selk family crest is composed of an orange shield, which has a half black and half white partition. This shield is held by two gold-colored lions. In the middle of the shield, there is an eagle with wings spread out and its head facing forward.
The Selk family motto is "IN TUA FORTITUDINE POSUI SPEM" which translates to "in your strength I have placed my hope." This is believed to be a reference to the strength of the family's bond, which is seen as an important part of their identity. This motto is still proudly displayed by descendants of the Selk family today.
Order DNA origin analysisSelk: Where does the name Selk come from?
The last name Selk is most commonly found in the United States and Canada. Specifically, it is most common in New England and New York, with about 1,200 people having the last name Selk in the United States. The majority of those with the last name Selk are of German or English descent, and the name itself originates from a house or estate.
The last name Selk also appears in Australia and the United Kingdom, though there are significantly fewer people with the name there. In the United Kingdom, for instance, the last name Selk was recorded only 6 times in the 2011 census, which is a very small population. Australia, however, has around 200 people with the last name Selk.
In some regions, particularly parts of Germany, Austria, and the Czech Republic, there are some people who have a variant form of the last name, such as Zilke or Silka. It is likely that these variant forms of the last name originated from a shared Germanic ancestor, though the exact relationship is unknown.
Overall, the last name Selk is most common in the United States and Canada, with a small population of people having the last name in Australia and the United Kingdom. Variations of the last name are also found in parts of Europe.
Variations of the surname Selk
The Selk surname is an Irish name derived from a Norman name, Sèlle, which in turn derives from the ancient Welsh Celtic personal name, Sel. It is one of the many Anglicized versions of the Gaelic surname, Ó Searlaithe, which means ‘descendant of Searlaithe’.
Variations of this surname include Sulke, Sulk, Sellk, Selck and Sellky as well as Selke, Zulke and Sellke. Certain variants such as Selk, Selck and Sellky can be found in parts of England and Wales.
In Scotland, this family name appears in record books as the spellings Selky, Sellk, Sulk and Sulke. In Ireland, you’ll find O’Selk and Selke.
Surnames linked to this family name include Salk, Sellke, Solke, Sulke, Sell, Selle, Sel and Sellack. Some variants, such as Sallk are even found in parts of Germany.
The Selket Coat of Arms, shared between the Selk, Sellk and Sulk families, is a shield split into three. The top quarter contains a green lion rampant on gold with silver outlined crown, the middle includes a lion rampant holding a golden fleur-de-lys, and the bottom contains a silver shield with a single gold cross. The crest of the Selk family is a white, right arm bent at the elbow holding a gold fleur-de-lys.
Famous people with the name Selk
- Kendra Selk: Canadian television actress best known for her roles on the TV series The Listener and Darknet.
- Alex Selk: Canadian ice hockey player that currently plays in the British Olympics for the team Sheffield Steelers.
- Chris Selk: Canadian mixed martial artist that has held the the United Canadian Grappling Association welterweight championship.
- Fritz Selk: American football coach who served as an assistant coach at many major football programs, including the University of South Carolina, Syracuse University, and University of Oklahoma.
- Darren Selk: Canadian musician and multi-instrumentalist, best known as the former bassist and guitarist of the band, Our Lady Peace.
- Laura Selk: Canadian singer, songwriter, and producer best known for her 2016 single "Revelation."
- Steve Selk: American former professional golfer, best known for winning the AT&T National in 1992.
- Allen Selk: Canadian actor, best known for his appearance in the TV series, The Crossing.