Surname Slack - Meaning and Origin

Unearthing the Celtic and Viking Connection within 'Slack' - My iGENEA DNA Test Journey

This text chronicles the enlightening journey taken through the use of the iGENEA DNA test. Unveiling the deep-rooted history within the author's surname 'Slack' and the unexpected bonds formed with topographically distant namesakes.

T. Slack

Slack: What does the surname Slack mean?

The last name Slack is of English origin and is derived from the Old Norse term "Slakki". It is a topographic surname referring to someone who lived near a shallow or low-lying patch of land. This topographic name was likely applied to those who lived near a small stream or depression in the ground.

The word “Slack” also has its roots in the Old Norse word “Slakkur”, which means “slow” or “slow-moving”. It may have been applied to people who lived by a lazy stream, or a family who had a reputation for being slow thnkers or doers.

The Slack surname is mostly found in northern England, particularly in the counties of Lancashire, Yorkshire, Durham and Northumbria. Early records of the name include Robert de Slak in the county of Lancashire in 1243, and John Slak of Staffordshire in 1332.

The variant spelling “Slacke” is found in Ireland, where the name is thought to have been introduced by settlers from England in the 17th century. Slacks have spread throughout the English-speaking world with the expansion of Britain's empire, particularly to the United States, Canada, and Australia.

The Slack surname is now mainly associated with members of a Christian religious sect which began in Lancashire in the 18th century. The sect members believed that a life of constant “Slackness” was the way to achieve true holiness.

Slack: Where does the name Slack come from?

The last name Slack is most commonly found in countries around the British Isles. The last name was first found in the areas surrounding Lancashire, England but has since spread to many other countries throughout the world. The name is particularly common in Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Canada, and the United States.

In Ireland, Slack is a fairly common name in Counties Dublin, Louth, and Cork. In Scotland, its presence is well documented throughout the highlands and the East coast. The Welsh version of the name is seen mostly in the northern and middle parts of the country.

In the United States, Slack is most densely found in the western states, particularly Oregon and Washington. In Canada, the most common concentration of the name is in Ontario on the east coast, with additional occurrences in the provinces of Alberta and British Columbia.

Of course, there are variations of the name around the world with some spelling variants such as Slak, Slauck, and Slick that have been documented in various regions. Summed up, the last name of Slack is most commonly found in countries around the British Isles and is fairly well distributed around the world.

Variations of the surname Slack

The surname Slack has many variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin. Some of the most common variants of the name are Slacke, Slake, Slakes, Slackey, and Slacky, as well as Slackeby, Slackeyby, Slackyby, and Slackby. Additionally, the surname is sometimes seen spelled as Slac, Slaque, Slag, Slage, and Slaque.

In Ireland, the Slakeney surname is a variant of "Slack." This name originated from County Monaghan, and was first found in the 13th century. Other Irish variants of Slack are Slake, Slacke and Slackey.

In Scotland, the Slack family have been recorded since the 15th century. Here, they are commonly found as Slac, Slaque, Slage, Slaque, Slagg, Slais and Slairs.

In Northern Ireland, the Slack name is derived from the Irish surname Mac Liag. This clan originated in the Ulster counties of Antrim and Armagh.

The surname Slack and its variants can be found throughout Europe, mainly in France, Germany, and England. Variants of the name in these countries include Slacke, Slag, Slaque, and Slaque.

In the U.S. and Canada, the Slack surname can be found in many variants, such as Slackey, Slacky, Slackby, Slak, Slake and Slackeby.

Today, people with the surname Slack and its variants can be found all over the world. It is estimated that there are more than 40,000 people who bear this surname.

Famous people with the name Slack

• Walt Slack: American football running back
• Tom Slack: English footballer
• Bob Slack: American actor
• Gary Slack: American painter, sculptor, and printmaker
• Christopher Slack: American composer
• Amanda Slack: American rower
• Alexandra Slack: New Zealand environmental lawyer and academic
• Stuart Slack: English actor
• Emmerson Slack: African-American college football player and Olympian
• George Slack: American Senator
• Fanny Slack: English composer and novelist
• Richard Slack: English film producer and director
• Robert Slack: American cinematographer
• Murray Slack: New Zealand rugby union player
• Jordan Slack: English cricketer
• Les Slack: English professional footballer
• Johnny Slack: American racecar driver
• John Slack: Australian rugby league player
• Cynthia Slack: American fitness professional and author
• Simon Slack: English professional speedway rider

Other surnames

Slacht