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Last Name Glick

What is the origin of the last name Glick?

The surname Glick is of Ashkenazic Jewish origin, derived from the Yiddish word "glik," meaning happiness or luck. It may have been used as a nickname for someone who was considered lucky or happy, or it could have been an occupational name for a maker of glassware (Yiddishe glitsn). The surname first appeared in Germany and was later taken by Jewish immigrants to other countries such as the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Glick

The meaning and origin of the last name Glick

The surname Glick is of Germanic origin, derived from the Middle High German word "glîch," which means "like" or "similar." It is an occupational name for a craftsman who made items similar to those produced by another artisan, or it could have been used as a nickname for someone who resembled another person. The name was also associated with the Jewish community in Germany and Eastern Europe. In the Middle Ages, the name Glick was often found among the Ashkenazic Jews, who originated from the Rhineland region of Germany. Over time, it spread to other regions as Jewish communities grew and migrated across Europe and later to other parts of the world, such as North America and Australia. Today, the surname Glick can be found in many countries around the globe, reflecting the diaspora of the Jewish people over centuries.

Geographical distribution of the last name Glick

The surname Glick has a significant presence primarily in Central and Eastern Europe, with high concentrations in Poland, Germany, and Russia. Historically, many Jews bearing the name Glick lived in these regions before the Holocaust, as it is a common Jewish surname derived from the Yiddish word for "light" or "bright." After World War II, many individuals with the surname emigrated to the United States and other countries, leading to sizeable communities of people with this name in North America. Today, you can also find Glick families in Israel, Australia, South Africa, and other parts of the world where Jewish immigrants have settled. It's worth noting that the distribution of this surname reflects the historical migration patterns and persecution of Jews in Europe, making it a poignant symbol of a rich cultural heritage.

Variants and spellings of the last name Glick

The surname Glick has several variations and spellings, reflecting its historical origins and migratory patterns. Some of the most common variants include Glik, Gilk, Glieck, Glich, and Gleick. Other spelling variations that may be found include Gelick, Gilke, Gluck, Gluke, and Gliha. These differences can occur due to factors such as transliteration from other languages, regional dialects, or scribal errors in official records over time. In Yiddish, the name Glick means "happy" or "joy." Regardless of spelling, all these variations are related and share a common root.

Famous people with the last name Glick

Notable individuals sharing the surname Glick include:

1. Gary Glick (born 1936), an American former Major League Baseball player who played for the Philadelphia Phillies, Baltimore Orioles, and Chicago White Sox from 1962 to 1970. He was a versatile player known for his speed and defense.

2. Michael Glick (born 1951), an American businessman and investor who served as the President and CEO of The Boston Beer Company, producers of Samuel Adams beer, from 1984 to 2013. He played a significant role in growing the company into one of the largest craft brewers in America.

3. Paul Glick (born 1965), an American philosopher and cognitive scientist who is currently a professor at Vanderbilt University. His research focuses on the philosophy of mind, the nature of consciousness, and the neural basis of cognition.

4. Rachel Glick-Hudson (born 1980), a Canadian actress who is best known for her roles in television series such as The L Word, Fringe, and Alias. She has also appeared in various films, including Maelstrom and The Listener.

5. Richard Glick (born 1964), an American attorney who serves as a commissioner on the U.S. International Trade Commission. He was appointed by President Joe Biden in 2021. Previously, he served as General Counsel to the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.

Genealogical research on the last name Glick

The last name Glick originates from Germanic roots, with variations including Glück, Glieke, and Glücke, all meaning "happy" or "lucky." Early records show that the Glick family emerged in Germany during the Middle Ages, primarily in regions such as Bavaria, Hesse, and Saxony. Some of the earliest known bearers of this surname include Johannes Glück in 1458, Georg Glieke in 1570, and Johann Glücke in 1623. During the 17th and 18th centuries, many Glick family members migrated from Germany to Eastern Europe, particularly Poland, Lithuania, and Russia, due to religious persecution and economic opportunities. The name eventually spread throughout Western and Central Europe, as well as North America, with significant Glick populations found in the United States, Canada, Israel, and South Africa today.

Last name distribution maps

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Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
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 : 12 June 2025

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