Surname Schlesinger - Meaning and Origin

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R. Schlesinger

Schlesinger: What does the surname Schlesinger mean?

The last name Schlesinger is of German origin and has both geographical and occupational origins. Geographically speaking, the name derived from the towns of Schleswig-Holstein, which were former German provinces on the North Sea near the Danish border. It also may have referred to a person from Schlessen, deriving from an old baronial name. Occupationally, Schlesinger originally meant “lock smith”, and was probably applied to individuals who lived and worked in these German towns in the trade of locksmithing.

The name is composed of two elements: “Schles” from Schleswig and “Inger” derived from the Old High German word “ing” which means “accomplishment”. Taken together, the name means “skilled craftsman from Schleswig”.

The Schlesinger name has been used throughout Germany and elsewhere in Europe for centuries. It was first found in the early 1400s in Württemberg, and later became more common in East Prussia and the Berlin region. The name and various variants are now used in countries around the world, including the United States, Canada, and Israel among others.

Today, the Schlesinger name is still connected to locksmiths and is a distinguished last name associated with expertise from Schleswig. It’s a lasting testament to the skill and craftsmanship of the individuals who carry it, even in this modern age.

Schlesinger: Where does the name Schlesinger come from?

The last name Schlesinger is most commonly found in the United States. Due to immigration, the name is also found in Germany, Poland, the Czech Republic, Austria, Hungary, Russia, and Ukraine.

In the US, people with the last name Schlesinger are predominantly found in the states of New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, New Jersey, Florida, and Maryland. They are more frequently seen in big cities such as New York City, Philadelphia, and Baltimore. Additionally, there are many Schlesingers living in the Midwest states of Indiana, Michigan, Wisconsin, Nebraska, and Minnesota.

It's unclear when the first Schlesinger family arrived to the US, however, records suggest it could have been around the time of the Revolutionary War. It's likely the family originated in Germany before migrating to Pennsylvania, and then to the other American states.

The last name is displayed throughout US history at the highest honors. During WWII, General Omar Bradley appointed Lt. Col. Russell Schlesinger as his personal representative to the European Theater Commanders. He was also the first executive director of the United Nations Relief and Rehabilitation Administration.

Outside the US, Schlesingers can be found all over the world in countries like Mexico, Israel, and Canada. At least one Schlesinger has been the mayor of Montevideo, Uruguay, and several have had successful careers in Israeli politics.

Overall, the Schlesinger name is a symbol of success, achievement, and perseverance amongst a global community, and is still prevalent today.

Variations of the surname Schlesinger

Schlesinger is an Ashkenazi Jewish surname, typically of German origin. It can have many variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin, which include Slezinger, Slezingeris, Slezingerys, Slazenger, Slazingers, Shlezinger, and Schlesingerach.

Schlesinger is derived from the German name Schlesien, which means "a borderland", referring to the state of Silesia, which is now located in parts of Poland, Germany, and the Czech Republic. The name Schlesinger is particularly common in Europe, but it can also be found in other countries.

Slezinger, Slazenger, and Shlezinger are other variations of Schlesinger, which also reflect the geographical origin of the surname. Similarly, Slezingeris and Slezingerys are variants of the same surname with a slight Latin influence. The suffix is a more recent addition, and the spelling might have been adapted to reflect a more international presence.

Finally, the Schlesingerach variant of the surname is Hebrew in origin, and is particularly popular among Jewish families. It has a more religious connotation and may have been adopted by Jews from the Schlesinger family, as a sign of cultural distinction.

Regardless of the variant, spelling or surname, all of them are rooted in the geographical origin of Schlesien, and the family can trace its roots back to the same source.

Famous people with the name Schlesinger

• Arthur Schlesinger Jr: American historian, social critic, and public intellectual.
• Julia Schlesinger: British television presenter and former VJ for MTV.
• Maurice Schlesinger: German music publisher who introduced the waltz to his country.
• Victor Schlesinger: Austrian-born American entrepreneur who founded a therapeutic device business.
• Melvyn Schlesinger: American businessman, philanthropist, and former CEO of Del Monte Foods.
• Arthur Schlesinger Sr: American historian, author, and educator at Harvard University.
• Amos Schlesinger: American real estate investor and philanthropist.
• Alexandra Schlesinger: German opera singer and member of the Vienna State Opera.
• Sylvia Schlesinger: Austrian stage actress who performed in several productions.
• Christian Schlesinger: Danish actor: known for Stranger in My Home (2001) and Regntøj (2015).

Other surnames

Schlesing

Comments or additions to the name "Schlesinger"

16.01.2024
James R. Schlesinger: US Secretary Of State 1973-1975. First US Secretary Of Energy 1977-1979.