Surname Schlägl - Meaning and Origin
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Schlägl: What does the surname Schlägl mean?
The surname Schlägl is of German-Austrian origin. It is derived from the German word "schlag", which means strike or hit/strike. The literal meaning of the name Schlägl is therefore "one who strikes".
During the medieval period, Schlägl was a common name in southern and central Germany and Austria, however, it was also used elsewhere in Germany. It is believed that the name Schlägl was originally used as a nickname and was derived from the German word for strike because the original bearer of the name had a reputation for being a combative individual or one who is easily provoked to fight.
Schlägl is also thought to have been an occupational name, referring to an individual who was employed as a smith or a blacksmith. In such a profession, striking and hammering on metals would have been a regular occurrence and would explain the association between the name and striking/hitting.
During the 19th century some families of the Schlägl name emigrated to America and Australia. In the US, variations of the name may include Schlagle, Schlogel or Schlagle, whilst in Australia there are a number of recorded variants such as Schlogl, Slogal and Schloagel.
Despite the prevalence of the name Schlägl across Germany and Austria today, there are few living families who can trace their ancestry back to medieval Germany.
Order DNA origin analysisSchlägl: Where does the name Schlägl come from?
The last name Schlägl is most common today in Austria, the Czech Republic, and Germany. It is historically linked to the Slavs of Eastern Europe, but has become very popular in German-speaking countries over the past few centuries. The name was first recorded in 1376 in Austria, and through the centuries it has been spelled many different ways, including Schlegl, Schaegl, and Schlegel. It is as common today as any other last name in the German language.
The name Schlägl likely has its origins in the Middle Ages, when it was used to describe a person who lived near a "schlägl," which was an artificial moor or bog. It was used to give a sense of where someone lived, and it is believed that the name was attached to the family members of any settlers living near this geographical location.
The name has grown exponentially in Austria in recent centuries, and it is likely a result of Austrian migration across Europe. It is most popular in Austria, where it is estimated that there are now around 700-800 people who hold the name. It is also common in the Czech Republic and Germany, as it is estimated that there are around 600 people with the last name Schlägl living in those countries combined.
Overall, the last name Schlägl is most common in Austria, the Czech Republic, and Germany, and it has deep roots in the German language and in Eastern Europe. It is estimated that there are between 1,400 and 1,800 people in total who currently hold the name, making it a surprisingly common last name for such a relatively small area of the world.
Variations of the surname Schlägl
Schlägl is a German surname that has numerous variants and spellings that stem from the same origin. The most commonly used variants of the name include Schlegl, Schlagle, Schlaggel, and Schlagle. Less common spellings of the name include Schlegel, Schleghel, Schlegle, Schlegeler, Schlegele, Schlegl, Schleglein, Schlegler, Schlegelmann, Schlegelmilch, Schegel, Schligl, Schlegeler, Schleglmann, Schleglmüller, Schlögl, Schlögel, Schlögle, and Schlöglmann.
Some of the more uncommon surnames derived from the same origin include Schläglauer, Schlägle, Schläglin, Schläglmeier, and Schlägner. Generally, the various spelling variations of Schlägl are the result of regional dialectic differences. In the United States, early spelling variations of Schlägl included Schlegel, Schlegle, and Schlegl.
At one time, Schlägl was widely used throughout Germany. Today, the surname is still prevalent especially in the Bavarian regions of Germany. The popularity of the name is also found in Austria, as it is one of the most common names in the Upper Austria region.
Although Schlägl is a German origin name, it can also be found in other countries across Europe, including Serbia, Croatia, Hungary, Slovenia, Poland, and the Czech Republic. As people moved and migrated, so did the variation of their name.
Due to its distinct regional dialects, the spelling and variants of Schlägl have changed over the years. The various spellings of the name, however, are all connected and trace back to the same surname.
Famous people with the name Schlägl
- Theodor Schlägl: Austrian physicist and experimental philosopher most famous for his development of the Schlägl reaction.
- Johann Strauss II: Austrian composer and member of the Strauss family. He is most famous for his waltzes, polkas, marches and operettas.
- Richard Schlägl: Austrian classical music composer.
- Gustav Schlägl: Austrian architectural engineer most noted for developing thermoelectric systems and materials.
- Karl Theodor Schlägl: Austrian physicist and professor emeritus of natural history at the University of Vienna.
- Heinrich Schlägl: Austrian botanist and founder of the Vienna School of Vegetation Science.
- Stephan Schlägl: Austrian composer and musicologist.
- Fiona Schlägl: German actress best known for her roles in the films The White Ribbon and Berlin Calling.
- Ernst Schlägl: Austrian painter and professor of art history.
- Hans Schlägl: Austrian soccer player, member of the national team in the 1930s.
- Thomas Schlägl: Austrian rugby union player.
- Maximilian Schlägl: Austrian professional darts player.