Surname Schlechte - Meaning and Origin
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Schlechte: What does the surname Schlechte mean?
The last name Schlechte is a German surname, derived from the Middle High German term 'slēhte', meaning “inferior”. This gave rise to the adjective “schlecht”, which means “bad” or “poor” in Modern German. Consequently, the surname Schlechte is likely to have initially been used to describe someone of lower social status, or of low assets or income.
The surname is also believed to have originated as a descriptive nickname for a person of low moral character, or one who was considered to be of ill repute. Furthermore, the surname could have also been a reference to someone who had a bad attitude or was generally unkind. Whatever the original meaning behind the word, it is likely that the Schlechte surname derived from it at some point in time.
Today, individuals of this surname can be found mainly in Germany and other German-speaking nations. In recent decades, the last name has been found in the United States, UK and other parts of Europe — an indication of the family’s migration to new lands.
No matter the origin of the surname Schlechte, it's a part of the family history and a reminder of the struggles that their ancestors faced. Today, as we look back on our past, it’s essential to remember that the hardships of the past helped shape who we are today.
Order DNA origin analysisSchlechte: Where does the name Schlechte come from?
The last name Schlechte is most commonly found in Germany and the surrounding parts of Europe. It is thought to originate from the Middle High German phrase "slehte", which references a person with a poor reputation or bad character. Records show that the surname is as old as the 14th century and is most likely of Middle Germanic origin.
In modern day Germany, it's estimated that almost 18,000 people have Schlechte as their last name. It is still a popular choice in some parts of the country, with some large clusters in the industrial areas of the Rhineland, the Westphalian part of North Rhine-Westphalia and the German cities of Hamburg and Berlin.
In recent centuries the surname has spread throughout the world. In the United States, Schlechtes are most commonly found in the states of Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, New York, and Illinois. In Canada, the surname is most commonly found in the provinces of Ontario and Quebec. Other countries around the world with Schlechte populations include Australia, the United Kingdom, South Africa, Argentina, and Colombia.
Overall, the Schlechte last name has survived for over 700 years and has spread to many parts of the world. Today, it is still favored among many families and is used to honor their long standing heritage.
Variations of the surname Schlechte
Schlechte is a German-language surname that originates from the Middle High German word 'sleht', which means 'evil'. The surname Schlechte is widely found throughout Germany, as well as in American countries due to migration over the centuries.
Variants of the Schlechte surname include Slechte, Sleger, Slegers, Sleggers, Slekte, Schlegel, Schleger, and Schlieger.
Surnames of similar spelling and origin include Schleck, Schlect, Schlick, and Schlichte. These surnames primarily originated in northern Germany and were derived from a similar pronunciation of the original surname.
In some cases, Schlechte may have been anglicized to become 'Slate' or ‘Slater’ in countries where the German language was not commonly spoken.
The surname Schlechte is associated with various wellbeing families in the Rhinelands, including the families of Koch, Rheinheimer, Strupp, and Dünkel. It is also linked to the prominent Schlechte branch in Flanders, as well as the many Schlechte branches in Holland.
Schlechte is one of the oldest surnames in Central Europe and is found in written records dating back to the 12th century. Records indicate that the Schlechte family had influence in the medieval European era, with mentions in documents all over Germany and the European mainland.
Famous people with the name Schlechte
- Anna Schlechte (1513-1568), German historical writer
- Catherine Schlechte (1888-1971), American vaudeville and burlesque performer
- Christian Schlechte (1847-1925), German author and philologist
- Dodie Schlechte (born 1973), American pageant titleholder
- Eduard Schlechte (1850-1909), German zoologist and anatomist
- Gustav Schlechte (1876-1944), German aviator
- Hartmut Schlechte (born 1965), German Olympic athlete
- Hercules Schlechte (1885-1947), German Wehrmacht officer
- Joachim Schlechte (born 1964), German cinematographer and film producer
- Julian Schlechte (born 1997), American soccer player
- Ludger Schlechte (born 1960), German bishop
- Richard Schlechte (born 1967), Canadian football player
- Robert Schlechte (1873-1939), German paleontologist
- Rudy Schlechte (born 1931), American footballer and coach
- Siegfried Schlechte (1909–1981), German lawyer and Nazi war criminal