Surname Spilleke - Meaning and Origin

Spilleke: What does the surname Spilleke mean?

The last name Spilleke is a Dutch or German surname that is believed to be derived from the words "spille" and "ke" which literally translates to "little play" or "small game". It is believed to have been given to someone who worked as a gamester or gambler due to the word "spille" meaning "gambling stake". It could also have been applied to someone who was known to be a popular figure at local taverns or around social circles.

Due to the name's German roots, it is likely that its first bearers were found in Central or Northern Germany where gambling and other leisure activities are a big part of the culture. However, the surname is now quite widely spread across the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany and other European countries. The prevalence of the name in the Netherlands is due to Dutch people immigrating to other parts of Europe in the late 19th century and taking the name with them.

All in all, Spilleke is a particularly interesting surname that evokes a sense of fun and good times. It's likely that its first bearers were quite popular in their respective social circles, living up to the name they were given and playing the occasional game or two.

Spilleke: Where does the name Spilleke come from?

Today, the last name Spilleke is most common in the area around Sauerland, Germany. This area is situated in the southwest corner of the country, between the Rhine River and the Dutch border. The Spilleke family had a long history in the Sauerland region, first settling there in the 1500s. Today, Spilleke family members can be found in various locations. Many still live in and around the Sauerland area, while others have moved on to other German regions as well as other countries across Europe.

The majority of German citizens with the last name Spilleke today can trace their roots back to the Sauerland region. Today, those with the name are mostly concentrated in the states of Saxony, Thuringia and Bavaria, but there are larger populations of Spilleke descendants in cities like Munich, Berlin and Hamburg. Furthermore, the name can also be found in France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Denmark and Austria.

In the United States, the name Spilleke is far less common today. The most recent wave of immigration brought a handful of Spilleke descendants to the country, mostly settling in the Southwest and West Coast. As time goes on and the population continues to grow, it is likely more Spilleke individuals will make their homes in the US.

Variations of the surname Spilleke

The variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin for the surname Spilleke are Spilke, Spielke, Spielkel, Spilleck, Spielkle and Spillke.

The surname Spilleke originates from the Germanic language and it is of a topographic name referring to someone living or working near a mill. The spelling variants of the name are found in various parts of Europe including Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Macedonia and Russia.

The spelling of the name can also be changed to Spielke due to misinterpretation in language. As a result, Spielke is the most common spelling variant of Spilleke. The alternative spelling Spielkel is also found in German-speaking countries.

Spilleck and Spillke are considered to be rare variants. Both of these are found in the area around the Rhineland in Germany.

The name Spilke is believed to be a French version of the Germanic name with its origin in Lorraine. This spelling is also found in Switzerland, especially in the canton of Basel-Stadt.

The many variants and spellings of the surname Spilleke could have been caused by mispronunciations of the original version of the surname and variations of language over the years.

Famous people with the name Spilleke

• Joshua Spilleke: An award-winning actor, writer and producer whose film credits include “Loving Vincent” and “The Urn.”
• Julius Spilleke: A successful German luxury car designer whose works have included various models of the BMW 7 Series.
• Joellen Spilleke: A popular American country musician who was a finalist on the television show “The Voice” in 2016.
• Paul Spilleke: A noted Austrian painter and sculptor whose works have been featured in famous galleries around the world.
• Roman Spilleke: A prominent German engineer who pioneered a number of pioneering innovations in the field of robotics.
• Joren Spilleke: A renowned Dutch architect whose works have been declared a historical landmark in several cities.
• Everett Spilleke: A celebrated American stand-up comedian and talk show host who hosted his own talk show on Comedy Central from 2001 to 2003.
• Elizabeth Spilleke: An award-winning children’s author and illustrator whose books were adapted into a movie in 2013.
• Alessandra Spilleke: An acclaimed Italian ballet dancer who has performed in renowned theatres across Europe.
• Nicole Spilleke: A well-known Australian model and makeup artist who is a regular on the pages of various fashion magazines.

Other surnames

SpilleckeSpiller