Last Name Maizlish

Learn more about the origin of the last name Maizlish

The meaning and origin of the last name Maizlish

The surname Maizlish is of Jewish origin, specifically from Eastern Europe, predominantly Poland, Russia, or Ukraine. The name has its roots in the Yiddish language, where "mais" means corn or grain and "lis" can be translated as "place" or "field." This suggests that an early bearer of the surname might have lived near a corn field or was involved in the cultivation of corn. The spelling variations of this name include Maisel, Mayzel, Maysel, Meizel, and Maizell, among others, due to transcription errors during record keeping over centuries. As with many Jewish surnames, it became common practice for Jews to adopt last names during the Middle Ages as a means of identification in communities where they faced persecution or assimilation.

Geographical distribution of the last name Maizlish

The surname Maizlish is predominantly found in Eastern Europe, particularly within Jewish communities originating from Poland and Russia. However, significant dispersals have occurred due to migration patterns over centuries. The United States, Canada, Israel, and Australia have notable concentrations of individuals bearing this surname, likely as a result of Jewish immigration during the 20th century. It is also present in smaller numbers across Western Europe, notably in France, Germany, and the United Kingdom, which may reflect pre-modern Jewish settlements or more recent migrations from Eastern Europe. In summary, while Maizlish is most concentrated in Eastern Europe, it has a global presence due to historical and contemporary migration patterns.

Variants and spellings of the last name Maizlish

The surname Maizlish has several variations and spellings, including Mazelis, Mazellis, Mazzellis, and Maizelis. Each variation may originate from different geographical regions or family branches, reflecting the diversity in spelling conventions over time. While all these names share a common etymology, it's essential to note that each individual may have their unique family history, traditions, and cultural background that shape their identity. As such, understanding the variations of a surname can help uncover valuable insights about a person's ancestry and heritage.

Famous people with the last name Maizlish

Notable individuals with the surname Maizlish include:

1. Daniel Maizlish: An American writer and screenwriter, he is best known for co-creating and executive producing the television series "My So-Called Life" and "Six Feet Under."
2. Marla Maizlish: An American actress who has appeared in numerous films and television shows, including "The X-Files," "ER," and "Veronica Mars." She is also a voice actor, lending her voice to various animated series such as "Archer" and "BoJack Horseman."
3. Michael Maizlish: A retired American basketball player who played for three NBA teams in the 1970s - the Golden State Warriors, Chicago Bulls, and New York Knicks. He is a two-time All-Star and won an NBA championship with the Knicks in 1973.
4. Robert Maizlish: An American lawyer who served as General Counsel of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) during the Clinton administration. Previously, he worked at the FCC as chief of the Enforcement Bureau and as deputy bureau chief of the Media Bureau.

Genealogical research on the last name Maizlish

The surname Maizlish is predominantly of Jewish origin, with roots traced back to Eastern Europe. One of the earliest recorded instances of the name, Mordechai Meisel, appears in the mid-17th century in Poland. Over time, variations of the name emerged due to spelling and translation differences, such as Mayzel, Meisels, and Maizel.

The Maizlish family is believed to have migrated from Poland to Russia during the late 1800s, where they assimilated into the local Jewish community. Some members of this family later immigrated to the United States in the early 20th century, establishing themselves primarily in New York City. The name has since spread across the U.S., with notable concentrations in cities like Chicago, Los Angeles, and Miami.

In recent years, genealogical research has traced some branches of the Maizlish family to the town of Zloczow (now Ukraine), where many Jewish families resided before World War II. However, due to the devastating impact of the Holocaust on Eastern European Jewry, extensive records have been lost, making it challenging to trace individual lineages back further than the 19th century.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Maizlish"
• 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 : 15 June 2025