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Last Name Pelikan

What is the origin of the last name Pelikan?

The surname Pelikan is of Czech, Slovak, and German origin. It is derived from the Czech word "pelikán," which means "pelican" in English. Pelikan may have been a nickname given to someone who had some characteristic of a pelican, or it could be a topographic name for someone who lived near an area where pelicans were found.

origin of the last name Pelikan

Learn more about the origin of the last name Pelikan

The meaning and origin of the last name Pelikan

The surname Pelikan is of Czech origin, derived from the word "pelican" which in Czech is spelled as "pelikán." The name Pelikan is derived from the Slavic word "pelík" meaning "those who are large or plump," suggesting the surname may have originally been a nickname for someone who was hefty. The pelican bird is also a symbol of self-sacrifice and care for others in Christian iconography, so it is possible that the surname Pelikan could have been given to someone who exhibited these qualities. Over time, the surname Pelikan may have been used to identify descendants of individuals who were originally given this nickname. Today, the surname Pelikan is relatively uncommon and is most frequently found in Czech Republic and other Slavic-speaking countries.

Geographical distribution of the last name Pelikan

The last name Pelikan has a predominantly Czech and German origin, with the highest concentrations found in the Czech Republic and Germany. In the Czech Republic, the name is most commonly found in the regions of Prague and South Bohemia, while in Germany it is most prevalent in the states of Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg. There are also smaller populations of individuals with the last name Pelikan in other European countries such as Austria, Poland, and Switzerland. Outside of Europe, the surname can also be found in the United States, particularly in states with large populations of German immigrants such as Texas and Wisconsin. Overall, the geographical distribution of the last name Pelikan suggests a strong connection to Central Europe, particularly the Czech Republic and Germany.

Variants and spellings of the last name Pelikan

The last name Pelikan, which originates from the Czech Republic, has several variations and spellings. Some common variations include Pelekan, Pellican, Pellecan, and Pelekhan. These alternative spellings may have arisen due to different dialects or regional influences. The name Pelikan is found in various countries around the world, including Germany, Austria, and the United States. It is possible that immigration and the blending of different cultures have contributed to the diverse spellings of the name. Despite the variations in spelling, the name Pelikan has maintained its unique and recognizable sound. Whether spelled with a "k" or a "c," the name Pelikan remains a testament to the rich history and heritage of the families that bear it.

Famous people with the last name Pelikan

One famous person with the last name Pelikan is Jaroslav Pelikan, a renowned American historian of Christianity and religious scholar. He was best known for his work on the history of the Christian tradition and won numerous awards for his contributions to the field. Pelikan was a professor at Yale University for over thirty years and published over 30 books during his career. He was considered one of the foremost authorities on the history of Christian doctrine and was highly respected within academic and religious communities. Pelikan's scholarship continues to be influential and his work remains a valuable resource for those studying the history of Christianity. Overall, Jaroslav Pelikan's impact on the field of religious studies is significant, and his contributions have left a lasting legacy in the academic world.

Genealogical research on the last name Pelikan

The surname Pelikan is of Czech and Slovak origin, deriving from the word "pelíkan" which means "pelican" in English. The pelican is a symbol of selflessness and care, often representing a family with these qualities. The family name Pelikan is widespread in both the Czech Republic and Slovakia, with documented records dating back to the 16th century. One notable figure with the surname Pelikan is Jaroslav Pelikan, a renowned American historian of Christianity and a professor at Yale University. The Pelikan family may have originated from a region where pelicans were prominent, or it could have been adopted as a name to signify characteristics of the bird such as loyalty and sacrifice. Overall, the genealogical research of the surname Pelikan reveals a rich history with ties to Eastern Europe and prominent individuals in academia and beyond.

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