Last Name Schlegel

Race and Ethnicity of people with the last name Schlegel

Looking at the ethnic identity associated with the surname Schlegel, again based on the Decennial U.S. Census, we see some shifts between 2000 and 2010. The largest percentage of people with this surname identified as White, though this percentage decreased slightly from 96.71% in 2000 to 95.23% in 2010. Over the same period, there was a significant increase in those identifying as Hispanic, with the proportion rising by 110.09%. The proportions of those identifying as Asian/Pacific Islander, Black, and those of two or more races also increased, while the percentage of American Indian and Alaskan Native decreased.

	2000	2010	Change
White	96.71%	95.23%	-1.53%
Hispanic	1.09%	2.29%	110.09%
Two or More Races	1.13%	1.26%	11.5%
Asian/Pacific Islander	0.43%	0.56%	30.23%
American Indian and Alaskan Native	0.4%	0.36%	-10%
Black	0.24%	0.29%	20.83%

Schlegel ancestry composition

NomOrigine computes an ancestry breakdown for each customer. People may have ancestry from just one population or they may have ancestry from several populations. The most commonly-observed ancestry found in people with the surname Schlegel is French & German, which comprises 42.0% of all ancestry found in people with the surname. The next two most common ancestries are British & Irish (30.1%) and Eastern European (9.2%). Additional ancestries include Scandinavian, Italian, Spanish & Portuguese, Filipino & Austronesian, and Ashkenazi Jewish.

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ANCESTRY BREAKDOWN	COMPOSITION
French & German	42.0%
British & Irish	30.1%
Eastern European	9.2%
Other	18.8%

Your maternal lineage may be linked to Marie Antoinette

Because it is so dominant in the general European population, haplogroup H also appears quite frequently in the continent's royal houses. Marie Antoinette, an Austrian Hapsburg who married into the French royal family, inherited the haplogroup from her maternal ancestors. So did Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, whose recorded genealogy traces his female line to Bavaria. Scientists also discovered that famed 16th century astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus traced his maternal lineages to haplogroup H.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Schlegel

The meaning and origin of the last name Schlegel

The surname Schlegel is of Germanic origin and is derived from the Middle High German word "schlege" or "schlaegen," which means "to strike" or "to beat." As a surname, Schlegel likely originated as an occupational name, referring to someone who worked as a blacksmith or a person skilled in using a tool for striking or beating, such as a hammer or a mallet. Over time, the occupational name evolved into a hereditary surname, and individuals with the surname Schlegel were likely descendants of or associated with blacksmiths or those engaged in similar trades. The surname Schlegel is relatively common in regions of Germany, particularly in Saxony and Thuringia. It has also migrated to other German-speaking countries and is found among German immigrant communities across the globe. Today, individuals with the surname Schlegel can be found in various professions and walks of life.

Geographical distribution of the last name Schlegel

The surname Schlegel has its origins in Germany, and it is important to note that its distribution is primarily concentrated in this country. As a German surname, it is more commonly found in the central and northern regions of Germany, such as Saxony, Bavaria, and Lower Saxony. These areas have historically been associated with the origin and spread of the Schlegel name. However, it is worth mentioning that due to migration patterns and historical events, individuals with the surname Schlegel can also be found in other parts of the world. There are notable communities of Schlegels in the United States, particularly in states with a significant German immigrant population, such as Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and Texas. Additionally, some Schlegels have settled in countries like Canada, Australia, and Brazil, primarily as a result of immigration and diaspora.

Variants and spellings of the last name Schlegel

The last name Schlegel has various variations and spellings across different regions and historical periods. Some common variations include Schlögel, Schleger, Schlager, Schlaegel, Slagle, Schlegell, and Schlagle. These variations can be attributed to the different interpretations and transcriptions of the name as families migrated and settled in new areas. Its origins can be traced back to Germany, particularly in the regions of Saxony and Thuringia. The name Schlegel is derived from the German word "schlägel," meaning "mallet" or "hammer," which suggests a possible occupational origin. Over time, as families moved to other countries or assimilation occurred, further variants of Schlegel emerged. For example, in the United States, the name may have been anglicized to Slagle. These variations and spellings highlight the dynamic nature of surnames throughout history and demonstrate the influence of language, culture, and geography on family names.

Famous people with the last name Schlegel

The surname Schlegel has been associated with several notable individuals throughout history. Friedrich von Schlegel (1772-1829) was a key figure of German Romanticism and a renowned literary critic and philosopher. Alongside his brother August Wilhelm von Schlegel (1767-1845), Friedrich made significant contributions to German literature, particularly in the field of translation. They played an influential role in bringing the works of William Shakespeare and other English writers to German audiences. Dorothea Schlegel (1764-1839), the wife of Friedrich, was also a prominent figure in literature, known for her novels and involvement in intellectual circles. Additionally, Karl Wilhelm Ferdinand Schlegel (1785-1855) made notable contributions in the field of Indology and Sanskrit studies, pioneering the study of ancient Indian texts. The Schlegel family has left a lasting impact on various fields, from literature and philosophy to linguistics and cultural studies.

Genealogical research on the last name Schlegel

The surname Schlegel has a rich history rooted in Germany. It is believed to have originated from the Middle High German word "schlegel" meaning "hammer" or "axe." The first recorded mention of the name dates back to the 13th century in the city of Erfurt. Over time, the Schlegel family spread across various regions in Germany, including Saxony, Bavaria, and Prussia. Some members of the Schlegel family gained prominence as renowned scholars, writers, and theologians. Notably, August Wilhelm Schlegel and Friedrich Schlegel, brothers and prominent figures in the German Romantic Movement, made significant contributions to literature, philosophy, and linguistics. In the second half of the 19th century, some Schlegel families emigrated to other parts of the world, including the United States and Canada, in search of new opportunities. Today, individuals with the last name Schlegel can be found worldwide, carrying forward the family's historical legacy.