Surname Spillecke - Meaning and Origin
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Spillecke: What does the surname Spillecke mean?
The last name Spillecke is of German-language origin, and was most likely derived from the surname Spielicker, which refers to someone who operated as a practical joker. The name is derived from the Middle High German words spil, meaning “game” and nicker, meaning “jester” or “clown”. It was likely adopted as a last name by an individual or family who were renowned for their wit and humour.
The name Spillecke can be found in records dating back to the 14th century in Germany. Through the centuries, the name has been spelled in several ways, with variants such as Spillecker, Spielicker, Spillek, Splicker, Spliker, Spicker, Spickler, Spiltkä, and others.
Today, the last name Spillecke is most often associated with the Spillecke family of Germany. Over the years, several members of the family have distinguished themselves in academia and other professions. The Spillecke name is also found in America, where in the 19th century, some of the family moved from Germany to settle in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and other parts of the United States.
In modern times, individuals with the surname Spillecke can be found in many countries around the world, living in a variety of professions and walks of life. Though their family background and pursuits may vary, they all share a link to the long and storied history of the Spielicker family.
Order DNA origin analysisSpillecke: Where does the name Spillecke come from?
The last name Spillecke is most commonly found in Germany and the surrounding countries today.
Spillecke is a German surname derived from the word “Spill” meaning “sparrow”. It likely came from an ancestor who lived near a sparrow population or was even known for their ability to tend to them. Its first record in the German surname directory dates back to 1696 in Westfalen, Germany.
Spillecke is also found in France, though it is extremely rare. In fact, the French variation of the name, Spillecake, is so rare it is hardly heard or seen in France today.
In the last decade, the popularity of the surname Spillecke has steadily decreased in Germany. It is not a common or easily found name compared with the more popular German surnames.
Today, some of the most popular locations for the Spillecke name are in Germany, France, Denmark, Sweden, and the Netherlands, with a small number of individuals in California and Texas in the United States. Much like in Europe, the Spillecke surname is not seen often in the United States.
In conclusion, the last name Spillecke is most commonly found in Germany and the surrounding countries today. While it is seen in the United States, the Spillecke surname is quite rare.
Variations of the surname Spillecke
Spillecke is a rare and varying surname derived from a nickname. It is German in origin and possibly derived from the German word spille, meaning “spin”, and hence, was likely given to someone who spun yarn or thread for a living. There have been several variants and spellings of Spillecke over the years, including: Spillekie, Spilleky, Spilletz, Spillke, Spillkies, Spillky, Spillke, Spillock, Spillack, Spillock, Spillocka, Spillocku, Spillockke, Spellics, Spillweck, Spillwick and Spileck.
The surnames Spillecke and its variants are found mainly in West and East Germany, although they are also found in other countries, such as the United States, United Kingdom, Netherlands, Poland and Sweden. It may be connected to other surnames, such as Spilker, Spilek and Spillmann.
Given the variations in spelling, it is important to be aware of the various spellings and to check them in official records when researching the origin of the surname. Some names may have been changed due to immigration, or because of illiteracy or because of changes in pronunciation over time.
Famous people with the name Spillecke
- Larissa Spillecke : German biathlete who competed in the 1994 Winter Olympics.
- Antje Spillecke: German politician and senior official of the Christian Democratic Union of Germany.
- Christian Spillecke: German baritone singer and musician.
- Johannes Spillecke: German skeleton racer who competed in the early 2000s.
- Joram Spillecke: German racing cyclist who won several championships and medals in his career.
- Paula Spillecke: German female freestyle swimmer who won medals at several national championships.
- Emil Spillecke: German former professional tennis player.
- Monika Spillecke: German handballer who competed in the 2006 Women's World Handball Championship in France.
- Wolfgang Spillecke: German field hockey player who competed in the World Cup in 1975.
- Fritz Spillecke: German water polo player who competed in the 1976 Summer Olympics.