Surname Spillker - Meaning and Origin
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Spillker: What does the surname Spillker mean?
The last name Spillker is a German surname that originated in the early 1800s. It is made up of two parts: spill and ker. The first part, spill, is derived from the German word spiel, which means 'game'. The second part, ker, has its origins in the Low German language where it was a metonym for 'player'. Therefore, when combined, Spillker was an occupational surname for someone who worked as a professional player of games.
Spillker is not a common surname, but it is found mainly in Northern Germany, specifically in the state of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. It has been estimated that there are between 500 and 800 people in the world that currently carry the last name Spillker.
Given its roots, it is likely that the Spillker family were originally a group of experts in chance or lucky games such as dice, cards, or gambling. It is possible that Spillker was used as a surname to identify the individuals who had a particular skill set in relation to gaming, and other names referring to the same occupation likely emerged within the same general vicinity.
Today, the Spillker name has become a reminder of a long-forgotten profession of chance. And while the legacy of the Spillker surname lives on, it is certain that its original significance has been lost to the sands of time.
Order DNA origin analysisSpillker: Where does the name Spillker come from?
The last name Spillker is common throughout central Europe. It has been found in German-speaking areas such as Germany, Austria, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein as well as the Netherlands. It is also present in Poland, Hungary, and Romania.
The name appears to have German origins. It derives from the German term “spinchler”, which was a colloquial name for a traveling merchant who sold spices, sugars, and hand-woven fabrics from one market to another.
In the United States, the Spillker surname is found mainly in the Midwest and is most prevalent in the states of Illinois, Ohio, and Michigan. It is estimated that over 600 people in the United States are currently carrying the surname.
The Spillker name is also common in New Zealand, where it is estimated that over 400 people are currently carrying the last name.
Given its origins and common places of residence, it is likely that the Spillker surname will remain common in Europe, the United States and New Zealand for the foreseeable future.
Variations of the surname Spillker
The surname Spillker is of German origin and is derived from the personal name "spilke" which means "nobleman" or "gentleman". Variants of the name Spillker include Spilleker, Spillkorn, Spillkur, Spillger, Spillgen, Spilker, and Spilgen.
The surname Spillker is common throughout Germany in many regions and is also found in other European countries, particularly Austria, Holland, and Switzerland.
When researching the Spillker surname, it is important to be aware of multiple records and documents including parish records, passenger lists, census records, phone books, and military registration records. Variants and spellings are typically found in records and documents, due to the fact that that illiteracy was common in many countries in Europe before the introduction of standardized spellings in the 1800s.
Often, records will note a few different types of spelling variations for the same surname. For example, a ship manifest may note the family name spelled as "Spilleker", while the family's marriage record lists the family name spelled as "Spillgen".
It is also important to pay attention to the spelling of the surname. Spellings with an "e" on the end, such as "Spilleker" or "Spillgen", are more commonly found in German records. Spellings with an "a" on the end, like "Spillkur" and "Spillkorn", are more commonly found in Austria and Switzerland.
In addition, it is important to remember that the surname Spillker likely has several different origins. While the most common origin is German, it is not the only one. It is possible that the surname may have origins in Latin, Greek, or even Scandinavian countries.
Famous people with the name Spillker
- Mark Spillker: Mark Spillker is an American Square Dance Caller and musician. He began calling dance moves in the late 1970s and is considered one of the top callers in the nation.
- Michelle Spillker: Michelle Spillker is a former beauty queen who represented Illinois in the Miss USA 1998 and the Miss America 1999 pageants. She is a co-owner of a dance studio in California.
- Kyle Spillker: Kyle Spillker is a former mixed martial artist who fought for the UFC. He is the brother of Bellator fighter Joe Spillker.
- Ella Spillker: Ella Spillker is an actress from Chicago, IL. She is best known for her roles in the musicals Waitress and Anastasia.
- Stacy Spillker: Stacy Spillker is an American figure skater and two-time U.S. National Champion.
- Joe Spillker: Joe Spillker is a professional mixed martial artist who currently competes in Bellator MMA's heavyweight division.
- Jessica Spillker: Jessica Spillker is an American-born singer, songwriter, and musician. She is currently signed to RCA Records, and her latest single is called "Beautiful Lie".
- Vivienne Spillker: Vivienne Spillker is a reality TV star who gained recognition after appearing on TLC's hit show, Say Yes to the Dress.
- Ronald Spillker: Ronald Spillker is a former Major in the United States Army who served in the Special Forces during World War II. He is a decorated veteran who was awarded the Purple Heart and Bronze Star.
- Matthew Spillker: Matthew Spillker is an American basketball player who plays for the college. He is considered one of the top prospects in the 2021 draft class.