Surname Slegt - Meaning and Origin

Slegt: What does the surname Slegt mean?

The last name Slegt is an old Dutch surname. Its meaning and origin are not exact, but it is believed to be derived from the Old Dutch words for “sleight”, “crafty”, or “skillful”. This could indicate that the original bearer was something of an artful dodger or a crafty tradesman.

It is possible that the earliest ancestors of those with this name could have come from the Netherlands, but today people with the name Slegt can be found all around the world. Slegts can be common in countries such as the Netherlands, Belgium, Denmark, Germany, and Austria.

In the Netherlands today, Slegt is a relatively uncommon surname. It is believed that this is because a few generations ago, members of the Slegt family spread beyond the Dutch borders to seek better lives in foreign lands.

The name could have also changed considerably over time. For instance, it may have been Stlegt or Slecht at some stage, or even Slechte in its more modern spelling form.

Regardless, people with the last name Slegt today can rightly feel proud of their ancestry. This is a name with a long and proud lineage that reflects a certain cleverness and craftiness in its way of thinking.

Slegt: Where does the name Slegt come from?

The last name Slegt is a Dutch surname, and is still most commonly found in the Netherlands today. Although its exact origin is uncertain, it is likely a derivative of the Dutch word 'slag', meaning "strike, beat or cut".

In the past, the spelling of the last name was also seen occasionally as Slegtt, Legt, Legtt, or Sleght. Records show that families bearing this last name first appeared in the Netherlands in the 12th century, most commonly in the northern regions of North Holland and Friesland.

Additionally, the name Slegt has become more common around the world, thanks to emigration. Countries including Canada, the United States, South Africa, England, Australia, Argentina, and Brazil now have a population with Slegts. Those that emigrated typically moved for religious freedom, economic opportunities, and new military alliances. Therefore, places such as Quebec, New York, the Netherlands, and Guyana are particularly rich in Slegts.

Although the name Slegt is less common today than it was in the past, it is still most prominently found in the Netherlands, where it is estimated that about 1 in 625 Dutch citizens currently bear the name.

Variations of the surname Slegt

The surname Slegt is derived from the medieval Dutch word slegt, which means “easy” or “light.” It is thought to have originally been a nickname for someone who was “easy-going” or not particularly demanding in their expectations of others.

The variants of the surname Slegt have evolved over time and can be spelt in many different ways, including Slegte, Slechte, Slett, Sletten, Slegten, Slecht, and so on.

The Slegt family also has numerous related surnames that stem from the same Dutch origin. These include Slechten, Sledgers, Sliggers, and Sligters. These surnames are all derived from the word slegt, which means “easy” or “light.”

Additionally, the surname Slegt has also been changed slightly in other countries due to different languages and cultures. For example, in French-speaking countries, it is often spelt as Slecte, while in Belgium, it is typically spelt as Slecht.

The surname Slegt has a long and rich history, and its variants can be found in many parts of the world today. It is likely that the people who originally bore this surname were of Dutch descent, and may have already been living in the country when the surname was first adopted.

Famous people with the name Slegt

• Nicolette Slegt: an actress from the Netherlands best known for her roles in projects such as My Extraordinary Summer with Tess and Soof 2.
• Durk Slegt: a Dutch architect who has designed various buildings ranging from office complexes to galleries
• Rinse Slegt: a Dutch documentary filmmaker
• Lisette Slegt: a Dutch actress known for her work in theater productions and television movies
• Rik Slegt- a former Dutch footballer, who played both for the Dutch team and for French and German clubs
• Anne Slegt: an Austrian graphic designer, illustrator, and fine artist
• Mark Slegt: a Dutch documentary filmmaker and journalist
• Anou Slegt: a Dutch fashion designer
• Elsbeth Slegt: a Dutch painter and art teacher
• Renee Slegt: a Dutch television actress

Other surnames

SleghtSlegte