Last Name Jelinek

The surname Jelinek is of Czech origin. It comes from the Czech word "jeleň," which means "stag" or "deer" in English. This surname was often given to individuals who lived near a place where deer were common, or perhaps to someone who was associated with the hunting of deer. The name first appeared in recorded history during the Middle Ages in Bohemia (present-day Czech Republic), and it has been a popular surname among people of Czech descent ever since.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Jelinek

The meaning and origin of the last name Jelinek

The surname Jelinek is of Czech origin, deriving from the Czech language's word for "linden tree," which is "jíhla." Linden trees are common in Central Europe and were often used as surnames in this region due to their prominent presence in local landscapes. Over time, variations in spelling such as Gelink, Jehlinck, and Jelink have arisen due to transliteration and other factors, but Jelinek remains the most prevalent form of the name today. The surname Jelinek can be found among Czech and Slovak populations both domestically and in their diaspora communities around the world.

Geographical distribution of the last name Jelinek

The surname Jelinek has its origins in the Czech Republic, reflecting its high prevalence in this Eastern European country. However, it also appears among the Czech diaspora, particularly in other parts of Europe such as Germany, Austria, and Slovakia, due to historical migration patterns. Beyond Europe, significant populations of individuals with the surname Jelinek can be found in North America, primarily in the United States and Canada, where the name has been carried by Czech immigrants or their descendants. In the United States, the highest concentrations of the last name Jelinek are found in states with a larger Czech-American population, such as Illinois, Texas, Colorado, Wisconsin, and California.

Variants and spellings of the last name Jelinek

The surname Jelinek has several variations and spellings across different regions and languages. The most common variations include:

1. Jelenek - This is a Czech variation of the name, with a slight modification in spelling.
2. Jelínkov - Another variant, also from the Czech language, which adds '-ov' to the end of the name.
3. Jelineková (for females) and Jelineký (for males) are Czech gender-specific forms of the surname.
4. German speakers may spell it as Gelink, although this is a less common variation.
5. Polish speakers might use the spelling Gelinski or Jelinka (female).
6. In Hungarian, the name could be written as Gyelenek, with a slight change in pronunciation and spelling.
7. Variations based on phonetic transliteration from other languages might also exist, such as Yelinek or Zelink in different languages where the original Czech spelling may not be directly recognizable.

Famous people with the last name Jelinek

Notable individuals with the surname Jelinek include:

1. Sandra Jelinek: An Austrian chess player who was awarded the title of Grandmaster by FIDE (Fédération Internationale des Échecs) in 2008. She won the Women's European Individual Chess Championship in 2003 and represented Austria at four Chess Olympiads.

2. Helene Cixous: A Franco-Algerian philosopher, feminist, and writer known for her contributions to poststructuralist theory, particularly as a representative of French feminist philosophy. Her works have been translated into numerous languages, earning her international acclaim.

3. Willem Jelinek: A Dutch actor best known for his roles in Dutch television shows such as "Flodder" and "Sesame Street." He has also worked extensively in theater, radio, and film.

4. Ivan Jelinka: A Slovak professional ice hockey defenseman who currently plays for HC Kometa Brno of the Czech Extraliga. He represented Slovakia at various international tournaments, including the World Junior Ice Hockey Championships and the Olympic Games.

5. Milan Jelinek: A Czech composer, conductor, musicologist, and pianist who has been recognized with several awards for his contributions to Czech contemporary music. His works have been performed by ensembles and orchestras around the world.

Genealogical research on the last name Jelinek

The surname Jelinek is of Czech origin, derived from the diminutive form of the personal name Jiří (George). Records suggest that the name was originally spelled Ježek, which means "hedgehog" in Czech. The transformation to Jelinek likely occurred due to a desire for a more prestigious-sounding surname.

Jelineks are primarily found in regions of Bohemia and Moravia in present-day Czech Republic. Historical records indicate the name's earliest known existence in the 15th century, with Matěj Ježek listed in the church records of the town of Český Brod in 1427.

Over time, various branches of the Jelinek family migrated from the Czech Republic to other parts of Europe and North America. Notable individuals with the surname include Czech composer Leos Janacek, who was born into a family named Ježek but changed his name to Janacek (a variant of Jelinek) for professional reasons, and American actor Lou Diamond Phillips, whose ancestors came from Bohemia.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Jelinek"
• 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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