Surname Silex - Meaning and Origin

Silex: What does the surname Silex mean?

Silex is a French surname of Norman origin, derived from the Latin word for lock or latch, silex meaning “stone” or “flux”. The name can therefore be translated to mean the stone or bolt of a lock, or the keeper of the key.

The Silex family originally hailed from the province of Normandy in France and the settlement of Silex is located in present-day Tonnières in the Calvados département. Many Silexs throughout the centuries have branched out into other countries, predominantly in the North America and Europe.

Some Silexs who made an impact in history include: Pierre Silex, the French diplomat to the court of Great Britain in the 17th century, who is credited with helping to forge the Treaty of Utrecht; and Augustin Silex, one of most influential masons in the history of French construction, known for his sketches of Gothic designs.

The surname Silex has since taken on an additional meaning, referring to a type of French brick or clay used for building. The term is often associated with structures of beauty and endurance, much like this resilient family name.

Silex: Where does the name Silex come from?

The last name Silex is most commonly found today in France, Belgium, and Luxembourg. It is generally thought to be of French origin, and could be an abbreviation of the Latin name, Sylvestris, meaning "of the forest." It was also used as a descriptive name to indicate someone who lived in a house built of silex, a form of hard, flinty rock.

The exact origin of the name is unknown, but some documents suggest it may have been of Celtic origin. It is believed to have been in use in France for several centuries and was associated with the name St. Silex, a man from the 8th century who was said to have performed miracles.

Today, the Silex surname is most commonly found in the French-speaking areas of Belgium and Luxembourg, though it has been known to spread elsewhere throughout the world as well. In the United States it is most commonly found in states with a high percentage of French speakers, including Louisiana, Maine and Massachusetts.

In France, Silex is a relatively uncommon last name, though it has been known to appear in records for over 400 years. In the regions of Est or the Rhône-Alpes, there are still quite a few families who carry the surname. Others have emigrated to Montreal and Quebec in recent years, still carrying the name with them.

Overall, the surname Silex remains somewhat uncommon today, due in part to its specificity and regional spread. However, it is still seen throughout the French-speaking world and in many parts of Canada.

Variations of the surname Silex

The Silex surname is derived from a Latin word which translates to ‘flint’ or ‘rock’. The variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin for this surname are as follows:

Silex: Silex, Sileks, Szileks

Silcox: Silcox, Silcoxs, Sulcox, Sulcoxs

Silk, Sylk: Sylk, Silck, Silk, Sylke, Sylkes, Syllk, Syllke

Silkes: Silkes, Seylkes

Silkie: Silkie, Seylkie, Syllkie

Silky: Silky, Sylky, Seylky

Sillik: Sillik, Seylik

Sylwax: Sylwax, Silwax, Syllwax, Syllwaxe

Shelke: Shelke, Schellke

Shelky: Shelky, Shellky, Schellky

Silekin: Silekin, Sileikin

Other variations and combinations of the above spellings can alsoexist, depending on the region and language spoken.

The Silex surname is a common surname found primarily in the United States, Canada, Great Britain, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand, and a few other countries. It also has a long history in Germany and is a quite common surname in that country as well.

Regardless of spelling variation, the Silex surname has a common origin and denotes a historical, familial, and cultural bond among its bearers.

Famous people with the name Silex

• Sara Silex, Brazilian model and entrepreneur
• Carina Silex, German singer and songwriter
• Abha Silex, Indian drag queen
• Tim Silex, American musician and actor
• Lisa Silex, Dutch fashion designer
• Collin Silex, New Zealand professional surfer
• Marco Silex, Italian chef and restaurateur
• Robert Silex, American author and lecturer
• Paulette Silex, Canadian art curator
• Nicole Silex, Australian poet and artist

Other surnames

Siler