Last Name Relkin

The surname "Relkin" is of Jewish origin. It is an Ashkenazic Jewish name that was originally a geographical name, indicating someone who lived near a field, pasture, or meadow. The name may have originated in Poland, Russia, or Belarus where it was a common Jewish surname. The name is derived from the Yiddish word "rekl" meaning "pasture" or "meadow". In modern times, individuals with the last name Relkin can be found worldwide as a result of Jewish migration and diaspora.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Relkin

The meaning and origin of the last name Relkin

The surname Relkin is of Ashkenazi Jewish origin, derived from the Yiddish word "relke" which means "mud." It is thought to have been used as an occupational name for someone who dealt with mud or clay in their profession, such as a potter or brickmaker. In some instances, it may also have been a regional name, referring to someone from an area with particularly muddy conditions. The earliest recorded spelling of the name appears in Jewish documents from medieval Poland and Germany. Over time, variations of the name have spread throughout Eastern Europe and the Americas due to migration patterns and assimilation. Today, the Relkin surname is found predominantly among individuals of Ashkenazi Jewish descent.

Geographical distribution of the last name Relkin

The surname Relkin is predominantly found in Eastern European countries, particularly in Poland and Russia, where it originated from Jewish communities. Over time, due to immigration, the name has also spread to other parts of the world, notably North America, Israel, Australia, and Western Europe. In the United States, the highest concentration of individuals with the surname Relkin can be found in New York and Florida, reflecting the historical migration patterns of Eastern European Jews to those regions. The distribution pattern suggests a Jewish heritage for the name, although it's important to note that genealogy and ethnicity are complex and multifaceted topics.

Variants and spellings of the last name Relkin

The surname Relkin has several variations and spellings across different regions and time periods. Some common alterations include:

1. Relchin
2. Relekin
3. Relgikin
4. Rellkin
5. Relginkin
6. Relgin
7. Relckin
8. Reljin
9. Relgyn
10. Relgun

These variations might arise due to differences in phonetic transcription, regional dialects, or historical spelling conventions. It is essential to note that while these variants may share a similar root with the original name, they might be pronounced differently depending on local pronunciation norms.

Famous people with the last name Relkin

Notable individuals bearing the surname Relkin include:

1. Peter Relkin - An American theoretical physicist and professor at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). He has made significant contributions to particle physics and quantum field theory.
2. Tamar-kali Brown-Relkin - An American singer-songwriter, musician, and multi-instrumentalist who blends soul, rock, blues, and Afro-Caribbean music in her unique style. She is also a visual artist and actress.
3. Richard Relkin - A prominent figure in the field of law, he served as the 16th Chancellor of the State University of New York (SUNY) from 2005 to 2017. Prior to this role, he was a judge on the Appellate Division of the New York Supreme Court.
4. Rachel Relkin - An American artist known for her work in painting and sculpture. Her art has been exhibited in galleries across the United States, including the Whitney Museum of American Art and the Museum of Modern Art.
5. David Relkin - A renowned mathematician who specializes in algebraic geometry. He is a professor at the University of California, Berkeley, and has made significant contributions to the field.

These individuals showcase various talents across disciplines such as science, art, law, and music, demonstrating the versatility within the Relkin family name.

Genealogical research on the last name Relkin

The surname Relkin is believed to have originated from Eastern Europe, specifically Poland and Russia. One of the earliest records of this surname dates back to the late 17th century in the region of Belarus. The name "Relkin" is derived from the Old Russian word "rel'ka," meaning little rod or stake. This name was often given to a child born during harvest season, symbolizing the small stakes used to mark the boundaries of the field crops. Over time, this family migrated westward due to various historical events such as religious persecution and economic hardship, settling primarily in Germany, Austria, and later, the United States. In the United States, the Relkin family is particularly concentrated in New York City and its surrounding areas. Notable individuals with the surname Relkin include Robert Relkin, a renowned American art collector, and Susan Relkin, an accomplished film and television writer.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Relkin"
• 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

Share the origin of your last name with your friends