Surname Stiskalek - Meaning and Origin
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Stiskalek: What does the surname Stiskalek mean?
The last name Stiskalek is believed to be of Czech or Slovak origin. It is derived from the Slavic language and is thought to mean “one from Stiskalov." The Stiskalov region of what is now the Czech Republic was known for its strong ironworking and craftsman culture, so it’s believed the name is associated with those trades.
As the Stiskalov region became more integrated into the Austro-Hungarian Empire, many of its locals adopted the surname to differentiate themselves from other workers and identify their area of origin. The name began to spread throughout Europe and immigrants brought it to the United States in the 19th century.
The Stiskalek name is most common in the Midwest region of the US, including the states of Illinois, Ohio and Wisconsin. It’s thought that the reasons for the concentration of the name in this area are rooted in the history of European immigration to the US. The Midwest offered employment opportunities in the 19th century to those arriving from Europe and the Stiskalek name has been a fixture in the region since then.
Today, the Stiskalek name is an indicator of hardworking people rooted in a proud history of craftsmanship and industry. It also serves an important role in connecting people to their ancestral heritage and preserving an important piece of the American immigration story.
Order DNA origin analysisStiskalek: Where does the name Stiskalek come from?
The last name Stiskalek is most commonly associated with the areas now known as Serbia as well as Bosnia and Herzegovina. It is not particularly prevalent throughout the rest of the world. The spelling of the name can vary, and related variants also include Styskalek, Staniskalek, and Stynskalek.
It appears that the name was most likely originally borne by a Slavic people of the region before the nation-states and borders we recognize today existed. Given the composition of the region today, a great number of people with this surname will likely be found in Serbia, Bosnia, Croatia, and Montenegro. However, there are some who have spread beyond these countries.
In the United States, the Stiskalek name can be found in several regions, including Pennsylvania, New York State, Ohio, and Texas. The US Census estimates that the total American population with the Stiskalek surname is roughly close to 500.
It also appears that some, though fewer, Stiskaleks have also spread to countries such as Canada, France, England and Ireland. The overall international population of Stiskaleks is likely less than 3,000.
For generations, the Stiskalek name has been an important part of the cultural identity of the region, and it’s clear that today, the name carries a proud tradition and legacy.
Variations of the surname Stiskalek
The surname Stiskalek is of Czech origin and has a wide variety of spellings. These spellings include Stiskel, Styskal, Stiskala, Steskal, Stiskal, Steskel, and Steckala. Similarly, surnames with similar spellings include Staskel, Stasek, Stasal, Stassek, and Stysek.
Stiskales are also seen with international variations such as Steiskal (German, Austrian), Styskale (Polish), Stiskálek (Slovak), and Stiskalek (Hungarian).
In the United States and Canada, variations include Stiskal, Stiskale, Stiskalek, Stiskel, and Stitzel.
Stiskalek is also seen as a surname in the United Kingdom, where the forms Stiskall, Stiskal, and Stizel are used.
Historically, the surname could refer to anyone living in or from the eastern-central Bohemian village of Stiskal (Stiskalka in Czech). The first known Stiskalek dates to 1665 and today, there are several families in the Czech Republic with the last name.
Famous people with the name Stiskalek
- Angelika Stiskalek: is a German athlete and multiple-time European masters champion in shot put, discus throw, weight throw and hammer throw.
- Gary Stiskalek: an American college and high-school basketball coach.
- Doug Stiskalek: a multi-instrumentalist and a prominent sound designer for commercials, films, television and theater.
- Christian Stiskalek: a digital artist, designer and animator based in Germany.
- Dan Stiskalek: a professor of clarinet at the State University of New York at Fredonia.
- Rich Stiskalek: a former Linebacker who played for the Oakland Raiders in the National Football League (NFL).
- Justin Stiskalek: a former MLB pitcher who played for the Boston Red Sox, Montreal Expos and Pittsburgh Pirates.
- Jim Stiskalek: a former Professional Canadian Football League player with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and British Columbia Lions.
- Matt Stiskalek: a former American soccer defender who played three seasons in Major League Soccer.
- Brett Stiskalek: is an American soccer coach and former professional player. He currently is the head coach of George Washington University and was previously the head coach of the University of North Carolina Wilmington.