Last Name Orlik

The surname Orlik has roots in several Slavic languages, primarily Polish and Czech. It is derived from the word "orlica," which translates to "eagle" in both languages. This surname may have originally been given to someone who was considered strong or fearless, similar to an eagle, or it could have been a topographic name for someone who lived near an eagle's nest. As with many surnames, the exact origin can vary based on individual family histories.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Orlik

The meaning and origin of the last name Orlik

The surname Orlik is of Polish origin, derived from the word "orlica" which means "eagle's cliff" or "eagle nest" in English. It is one of the many Slavic surnames that were geographical or topographical in nature, indicating a specific location where an individual or their ancestor resided. Over time, as people migrated and settled in different regions, variations of this name emerged. These include Orlick, Orlikowsky, Orlewicz, Orlinski, and others. The surname Orlik is most common in Poland and its diaspora, particularly in countries with a significant Polish population such as the United States, Canada, Germany, and Australia. It is also found among Polish-speaking communities in other parts of the world.

Geographical distribution of the last name Orlik

The Orlik surname is predominantly found in Central and Eastern Europe, particularly Poland, where it is one of the most common surnames. In fact, according to some sources, it ranks as one of the top 200 most common Polish surnames. Smaller numbers of people with the surname Orlik can also be found in neighboring countries such as Ukraine, Belarus, and the Czech Republic. Additionally, there are scattered instances of the surname among diaspora communities in Western Europe, North America, Australia, and New Zealand, largely due to emigration from Poland during the 19th and 20th centuries. Overall, the geographical distribution of the Orlik surname is heavily concentrated in Central and Eastern Europe, with smaller but significant populations found among Polish diaspora communities worldwide.

Variants and spellings of the last name Orlik

The surname Orlik has several spelling variations, including Orlek, Oerlik, Uerlik, Urlik, and Yorlik, among others. These variations primarily result from differences in spelling conventions over time and across regions. The name is of Slavic origin, derived from the word "orlík," meaning "eagle strength" or "eaglet" in Czech and Slovak languages. It may be found most commonly within Central European populations, including those of Poland, Czech Republic, and Slovakia, among others. Regardless of the specific spelling, the name Orlik continues to be a symbol of strength, resilience, and the proud eagle spirit that it represents.

Famous people with the last name Orlik

Notable individuals sharing the surname Orlik include:

1. Stanisław Orłik (1924-2008), a Polish composer and conductor known for his work in film and theater music. He composed over 30 film scores, including "The Deluge" and "Dzieci polskiej szkoły" (Children of the Polish School).

2. Mireille Mathias Orlikoff (1958-), a French-Canadian actress, best recognized for her role as "Isabelle Bouchard" in the television series "Le Camionnoir". She has also appeared in films like "A Christmas Carol", "The Fifth Estate", and "Bon Cop, Bad Cop 2".

3. Tomasz Orlikowski (1964-), a Polish political scientist who served as President of the Central European University from 2018 to 2020. He was also the dean of the Faculty of Political Science and International Studies at the Jagiellonian University in Kraków, Poland.

4. Stanisław Orlik (1956-), a Polish painter and graphic artist who is a member of the Association of Polish Artists and Designers. His works often depict cityscapes, still lifes, and portraits.

These individuals have made significant contributions in their respective fields, be it music, acting, academia, or visual arts.

Genealogical research on the last name Orlik

The surname Orlik originates from Central Europe, specifically Poland and Czech Republic, with early records dating back to the Middle Ages. It is a patronymic surname derived from the given name Orzyk or Orzech, which mean "walnut" in Slavic languages. The first known bearer of the name was Orzyko Orlik, who lived in Poland during the 14th century. Over time, the family spread across Poland and into neighboring regions, including Bohemia, where the name became Orlick. Notable figures bearing this surname include Jakub Orlík, a Bohemian nobleman and military leader, and Jan Orlik, a Polish painter. The Orlik family has maintained a strong presence in both Poland and the Czech Republic over the centuries, with branches also found in other parts of Europe and North America.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Orlik"
• 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 : 12 June 2025

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