What is the origin of the last name Orlicki?

Orlicki is a Polish surname that originated from various locations with the same name in Poland. The name Orlik (meaning eagle) has been used for both personal and geographical names in Poland for centuries. Over time, different variations of this name have developed due to factors such as regional dialects, spelling errors, or changes during migration. One of these variations is the surname Orlicki. The specific ancestry of a particular individual with the last name Orlicki can be further researched using genealogical resources.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Orlicki

The meaning and origin of the last name Orlicki

The surname Orlicki is of Polish origin, derived from the occupational name "Orły" or "Orlecki", which translates to "eagle" in English. This surname was likely given to individuals who worked as falconers or were associated with eagles in some other capacity, such as heraldry. Over time, the spelling evolved into its current form, Orlicki, due to various linguistic and orthographical changes in the Polish language. The surname is relatively uncommon compared to more widespread Polish names but can be found across various regions of Poland and among Polish diaspora communities around the world.

Geographical distribution of the last name Orlicki

The surname Orlicki is predominantly of Polish origin and is most commonly found in Poland, particularly in regions such as Podlasie, Mazovia, and Lesser Poland. It is also present in smaller numbers in other Eastern European countries that have historical ties with Poland, including Belarus, Ukraine, Lithuania, and Russia. The name may be derived from various places named Orlik or Orlek in Poland, which mean "little eagle" in Polish. Additionally, there are also Orlicki families of Czech origin, particularly in the Moravia region.

Variants and spellings of the last name Orlicki

The surname Orlicki can have various spelling variations due to differences in transcription and translation over time and across different regions. Some common variants of this name include: Orlicki, Orlicki, Orlitsky, Orlytsky, and Ourlitsky. These variations may arise from slight misspellings, alterations due to phonetic changes or regional dialects, or even transliteration from other languages. It's essential to note that these variations can be found in different parts of the world where names are passed down through generations, particularly countries with Slavic populations. However, without knowing the exact origin and history of a specific instance of the name, it is impossible to determine the definitive spelling or all possible variants.

Famous people with the last name Orlicki

Notable individuals with the surname Orlicki include:

1. Andrzej Orlicki (born 1936), a Polish mathematician and professor known for his contributions to differential geometry.
2. Tadeusz Orlicki (1932-1970), a Polish writer and poet, best remembered for his works "Kartki z Podróży" (Notes from a Journey) and "Rapsodia dla smoka" (Rhapsody for the Dragon).
3. Jadwiga Orlicka-Długosz (1926-2014), a Polish politician who served as the Minister of Health in the Polish Government-in-Exile from 1981 to 1985.
4. Piotr Orlicki (born 1973), a Polish actor and theatre director, known for his roles in "Na Wspólnej" and "Barwy szczęścia."
5. Ewa Orlich-Bauer (born 1963), a Polish economist and politician who served as the Minister of Finance from 2007 to 2014.

These individuals, through their various fields of expertise and contributions, have left significant impacts in mathematics, literature, politics, and acting in Poland and beyond.

Genealogical research on the last name Orlicki

The surname Orlicki is of Polish origin, specifically derived from various regions including Masuria and Pomerania. Historically, the name is an occupational or locative surname, which likely stems from the profession of a "orlik," a term for a bird trainer, or from a place named Orlik or a variation thereof.

During the 16th and 17th centuries, many Polish families emigrated due to religious persecution and economic hardship, leading to the dispersal of surnames like Orlicki across Europe, particularly in countries such as Germany, Czech Republic, and the United States. In the United States, records indicate that the first known immigrant with the last name Orlicki was Piotr Orlicki who arrived in Pennsylvania in 1864.

Modern descendants of the Orlicki family can be found predominantly in Poland, as well as the United States, Canada, and various European countries, where they have made significant contributions to their respective communities throughout history.

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NomOrigine Team
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.

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