Surname Schlechtinger - Meaning and Origin

Schlechtinger: What does the surname Schlechtinger mean?

The last name Schlechtinger is of German origin and is believed to be derived from the word ‘schlecht’ meaning ‘bad’ or ‘poor’. This may suggest that the earliest bearers of this surname were of a lower social class or possibly of ill-repute. The spelling of the name is often found variantly in records, with forms such as Schlachtinger, Schlectinger, or Schlittlinger.

Schlechtinger could be a topographical surname, as ‘schlacht’ can also refer to a ‘sloping plain’ or an open field. The name could have originally been given to someone who lived in or near such an area. Alternatively, the name may refer to an occupation, as it could have been given to someone who worked in the wet meadows found in low-lying land near a river.

It is possible that the Schlechtinger family was part of the Hanseatic League. This was a powerful trading alliance of merchant firms, most based in Northern Europe. Records show that some of the Schlechtinger family were trading as ‘Schlechtinger merchants’ in the 16th and 17th centuries.

Though the history of this surname is somewhat unclear, it is still used today as a surname by many people. It remains a popular choice for people seeking to connect with their German roots, and the name continues to be passed down through the generations.

Schlechtinger: Where does the name Schlechtinger come from?

The last name Schlechtinger is a German surname that is highly concentrated in parts of Europe, especially in Germany. According to Ancestry, the surname is mostly found in northern Germany, particularly in the states of Schleswig-Holstein, Lower Saxony, and Hamburg. Dispersed concentrations of Schlechtingers can also be found in Berlin, Bavaria, and Saxony. The surname is also common in other parts of Europe, particularly in the Netherlands, where it is the 101st most common name. Outside of Europe, San Francisco, California has a small concentration of Schlechtingers, as well as cities in Australia and Canada.

The Schlechtinger family originated as a group of aristocrats from chips on the lower Rhine. As early as 1660, members of the family were ennobled and granted aristocratic titles such as Baron and Count. Over the centuries, many of the family's members dispersed to other regions of Europe. Today, members of the Schlechtinger family can still be found in Europe, in countries such as Germany, the Netherlands, and Switzerland. It is also common in other countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

Variations of the surname Schlechtinger

The surname Schlechtinger is derived from the German word for 'bad faith', 'schlecht'. It is a habitational name, from a place called Schlechtingen. It can be found spelt in various ways, such as Schlechtinger, Schlachtinger, Schlöchtinger, Schlechting, Schlachting, and Schlöchting. No matter the spelling, the surname comes from the same word and origins and was likely adopted by several branches of the family.

Variants of the surname can also be found outside of Germany, such as in French-speaking countries and the Netherlands. French variants include Schlectin, Schlecting and Chlechtinger; Dutch variants include Slechting and Slechtin.

Other variants of the surname Schlechtinger include Schlechter, Schlechterer, Schlechtinger, Schlechtingerl, Schlechtingerova, Schlechtinghausen, Schlechtling, Schlechtlinge, Schlechtlingen, and Schlechtman. These variant spellings come from various countries, including Germany, The Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, The Netherlands, France, and the United States.

Finally, a few surnames are also of the same origin but have been shortened or changed to have a slightly different meaning. Common surnames that have been created from the original Schlechtinger include Schleck, Schlect, Schlecter, Schlet, Schlechtweg, and Schlechinger.

Famous people with the name Schlechtinger

• Martin Schlechtinger, former professional footballer
• Olga Schlechtinger, German sculptor
• Armin Schlechtinger, former professional ice hockey player
• Fabian Schlechtinger, German composer and conductor
• Corinna Schlechtinger, German singer
• Tobias Schlechtinger, German journalist
• Wolfgang Schlechtinger, former professional footballer
• Marco Schlechtinger, German Paralympic athlete
• Philipp Schlechtinger, German photographer
• Tobias Schlechtinger, German theatre and film director

Other surnames

Schlechtingen