Last Name Flaks

The surname Flaks is of Jewish Ashkenazic origin, derived from a variety of occupations related to leatherworking. It is believed to be an occupational name for a seller or maker of a type of coarse leather known as "flachs," which was used in the production of clothing and footwear. The surname may also have origins in various Slavic languages, where "flak" means "hazel nut." However, it's important to note that the exact origin of any last name can be difficult to determine due to the complex history of migration, language changes, and cultural influences throughout Europe over many centuries.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Flaks

The meaning and origin of the last name Flaks

The surname Flaks is of Ashkenazi Jewish origin, derived from a variety of Old German, Yiddish, and Slavic names. One possible source is the German name "Black," meaning black or dark-haired, which was adopted by Jews in various forms such as Blatt, Blas, and Blaks. Another possibility is that it originated from Slavic names ending in "-flak," denoting a person from a particular place, for example, Czech "Flak" or Polish "Flakowicz." Over time, the spelling variations of the name include Flax, Fleks, and Flekse, reflecting changes due to migration, transliteration, and assimilation. The surname Flaks is now found primarily among Jewish communities around the world.

Geographical distribution of the last name Flaks

The last name Flaks has its origins primarily in Eastern Europe, particularly in Poland and Russia. Historically, Jewish families were a significant group that carried this surname, as Flaks is a variant of the Yiddish word "fleyshik" meaning butcher or meat dealer. Over time, many individuals with the last name Flaks emigrated to various parts of the world due to historical events such as the Holocaust and economic opportunities. The largest populations of people with the Flaks surname today can be found in Israel, the United States, Canada, and South Africa, reflecting these migration patterns. It's important to note that the distribution can vary greatly depending on genealogical databases and specific definitions of the last name.

Variants and spellings of the last name Flaks

The surname Flaks can be found with various spelling variations due to differences in transcription, migration, and family preferences over time. Some common variations include Flax, Flex, Fleks, Flaxs, Flacks, Flek, Fleck, and Fleksa. These variations may stem from phonetic changes during migration or transcription errors, while others could be the result of intentional alterations by individuals or families to make their names more easily pronounced or spelled in different cultures. Despite these variations, they all originated from the original surname Flaks.

Famous people with the last name Flaks

Notable individuals with the surname Flaks include:

1. Jack D. Flacks, an American anthropologist and professor emeritus at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), known for his research on kinship, gender, and political economy.

2. Steve Flax, a Canadian former professional ice hockey player who played in the National Hockey League (NHL) for teams such as the New York Rangers and Toronto Maple Leafs.

3. Lila Flacks, an American lawyer and civil rights activist who was instrumental in ending segregation in the University of Georgia's law school in 1961.

4. Mark Flaks, a former executive at MTV Networks, where he served as president of Nickelodeon and co-president of MTV Networks Music Group.

5. David Flacks, an American academic who specializes in Jewish history and the Holocaust, currently serving as the Louis E. and Ann M. Rosenberg Professor of Jewish History at The Jewish Theological Seminary.

Genealogical research on the last name Flaks

The surname Flaks is believed to have originated from Eastern Europe, particularly Russia and Poland, where it is variantly spelled as Flax, Fleks, or Flekse. The name is thought to derive from the Yiddish word "flak," meaning a spark or a flash of lightning, reflecting its symbolic association with sudden inspiration or brilliance.

In terms of genealogical records, the earliest known occurrences of Flaks in Europe date back to the 17th century. Some branches of the family are documented as residing in Poland during this period. The family later migrated to various parts of the world due to historical events such as religious persecution and economic hardships.

The Flaks family is noted for its contributions in various fields, including business, academia, and politics. Notable figures include Arthur Flaks, a Russian-American businessman who founded the record label Argo Records, and Irving J. Flax, an American politician who served as Mayor of Newark, New Jersey from 1954 to 1962.

Today, the Flaks family can be found in numerous countries around the world, with significant populations in the United States, Israel, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Genealogical research for this surname often requires examination of Jewish records due to the family's historical origins.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Flaks"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 27 July 2025

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