Surname Schelhas - Meaning and Origin
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Schelhas: What does the surname Schelhas mean?
The surname Schelhas is a Germanic name that originated in the Rhineland area of modern day Germany. Originally, it derived from the Old German 'scheler', which originally meant 'shield'. This word is believed to have been taken on by early families as a representation of fierce protection. The surname changed overtime, and is now found as Scheler, Scheller, Schelhaas, Schoulhaus, and Schelhas.
The Scheler variation of the name was especially popular in the Palatinate region (modern day Germany). The Scheller variation was mainly found in Westphalia (modern day Germany) and also in the Netherlands. The Schelhaas variation was found in the United Kingdom as early as 1539 when it was noted as being found in Bedfordshire.
The Schelhas variation of the name became more popular in the United States during the mid-1800s, when people with the name began to settle in areas like Pennsylvania. Since then, the name has spread to other areas in the United States, including Illinois, Wisconsin, and Missouri.
Over the centuries, the importance and meaning of the original meaning of 'shield' has stayed with the Schelhas and its other variations. Its bearers can still feel the sense of protection and duty bestowed upon them by the original meaning of the name. It represents loyalty, honor, and strength of character–qualities that have been hallmarks of the Schelhas name throughout its history.
Order DNA origin analysisSchelhas: Where does the name Schelhas come from?
The last name Schelhas is quite common in Northern Europe, primarily in Germany, the Netherlands, and Scandinavia. It is particularly common in the German states of Bavaria, Baden-Württemberg, and Rhineland-Palatinate, as well as in the Netherlands, particularly in the province of North Holland.
The name is believed to have originated in Middle High German, with "schelhēz" meaning “servant’s of a lord”. This old title is likely from the region around the Mosel and Rhine valleys and migrated to Northern Europe via the settlement of Germanic tribes throughout the history of medieval Europe.
The name is now mostly found in Germany, the Netherlands, as well as Norway, Denmark, Sweden, Finland, and Iceland. It is believed that many of these countries have adopted the name from German immigrants who were likely originally from the Rhine area.
Outside of Europe, the name is less common, but can be found in the United States primarily as a result of German and Dutch immigration in the 1700 and 1800s. Although, there has been some later immigration due to marriage and remigration. Overall, there is very little concentration of the name outside of Europe.
Variations of the surname Schelhas
The surname Schelhas is possibly derived from the Middle High German word ‘schelch’ that refers to a shepherd or herdsman. It is believed to be connected to a Germanic tribe, who lived in the northeast of today’s Netherlands, called ‘Schelcht’. The variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin for Schelhas are as follows:
Schellas, Schellhas, Shelhas, Shelas, Shellas, Shillas, Shkelhas, Skhelhas, Schelash, Shchelash, Schellchas, Schelchas, Schillhs, Schillichs, and Shedalk.
The surnames derived from Schelhas resemble a variety of regional, ethnic, and cultural variations. Most are presented in the form of their original German spelling, including Shelas and Shkelhas which have the prefix ‘sch’ and ‘Sh’. Other surnames derived from Schelhas, such as Shellas and Skhelhas, have changed the ‘ch’ to ‘sh’ for ease of pronunciation. Schelash and Shchelash have dropped the ‘h’ for similar reasons, replacing it with the double ‘l’ for a smoother sounding pronunciation.
The variations of Schelhas could be attributed to regional and local influences. It is possible that some of the surnames that closely resemble Schelhas were not derived from the same source but from similar languages. For example, the surname Schillhs is likely derived from a northern French source as ‘schel’ is a form of the French ‘esch’ that means ‘scape’.
Despite its versatility in spelling and pronunciation, Schelhas has retained its connection to the Middle High German word ‘schelch’ with its proverbial meaning of a herdsman. Therefore, the surnames derived from Schelhas hold a deep level of significance, acting as a link to cultural diversity and regional heritage.
Famous people with the name Schelhas
- Brian Schelhas: Brian Schelhas is a jazz/funk bassist based in Atlanta, GA. He has performed with many jazz/funk greats such as George Duke, Thefon Taylor, James Brown, and Maceo Parker. He is also a professor of jazz bass at the University of North Florida.
- Jason Schelhas: Jason Schelhas is an American stuntman and actor. He has appeared in numerous blockbuster films such as X-Men: Days of Future Past, Avengers: Age of Ultron, Captain America: The Winter Soldier, and Jurassic World.
- Anthony Schelhas: Anthony Schelhas is an American politician from the state of Maryland. He represented the state’s 8th congressional district in the United States House of Representatives from 2011 to 2017.
- Deborah Schelhas: Deborah Schelhas is an American poet and writer. She has written several collections of poetry including her latest, White Center, which was published in 2017.
- Amy Schelhas: Amy Schelhas is a sculptor based in Los Angeles, CA. She has had several solo and group exhibitions in California and beyond. Her works are sculptures made with cast metals such as bronze and steel.