Last Name Schlichting

The surname Schlichting originates from Germany and is derived from a medieval occupational name for a messenger or herald, deriving from the Middle High German "schlichte," meaning "messenger" or "herald," and "-ingen," a suffix indicating origin or occupation. In some cases, it may have been a topographic name for someone who lived on a flat or open piece of land, as "schlicht" also means "flat" or "open" in German. The name was brought to America primarily by German immigrants in the 17th and 18th centuries.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Schlichting

The meaning and origin of the last name Schlichting

The surname Schlichting is of German origin, stemming from the Middle High German word "schlucht," which means a deep chasm or valley, and the suffix "-ing" that denotes a person who comes from a particular place or occupation. Over time, it has been spelled in various ways including Schlidtin, Schlitzen, and Schlichtungen, reflecting regional variations and changes in spelling conventions. The name likely originated as a topographic surname, indicating someone living near a deep ravine or valley, or possibly as an occupational surname for someone who worked in a chasm, such as a miner or quarryman. Notable individuals with this surname include physicist and meteorologist Klaus Schlichting, and basketball player Marcus Schlichting.

Geographical distribution of the last name Schlichting

The last name Schlichting is predominantly distributed across Germany and its surrounding regions, including Austria, Switzerland, and Luxembourg, due to historical migrations and settlements. A significant concentration can be found in North Rhine-Westphalia, Baden-Württemberg, and Lower Saxony, which are the most populous states in Germany. The family name also appears in various other European countries with Germanic influences, such as Belgium, Denmark, the Netherlands, and the Scandinavian countries. Beyond Europe, smaller communities of Schlichtings can be found in North America, primarily in the United States and Canada, as a result of immigration from Germany during the 19th and early 20th centuries. Overall, the geographical distribution of the Schlichting surname reflects historical Germanic expansion and migration patterns.

Variants and spellings of the last name Schlichting

The surname Schlichting has several variations and spelling options due to differences in transliteration, regional dialects, and time periods. Common variations include Schliering, Schleiching, Schleyting, Schleitin, Schlechten, Schleiting, Schliech, Schlichte, and Schlichter. Each of these spellings has its roots in Germanic languages, with "Schlicht" meaning "peaceful" or "calm," and "-ing" being a common German suffix indicating occupation or origin. Despite the variations, all these names share a common ancestry and pronunciation similar to SCH-lih-ting (with the emphasis on the second syllable). It is essential to note that the correct spelling of a name can be influenced by historical factors such as migration patterns, language changes, and recordkeeping errors.

Famous people with the last name Schlichting

Notable individuals with the surname Schlichting include:

1. Carl Schlichting (1872-1954): An American geologist and paleontologist, who served as the President of the National Academy of Sciences from 1936 to 1938. His work contributed significantly to the understanding of fossil corals and their evolution.

2. Carl Schlichting (1905-1974): An American ornithologist, who made significant contributions to the study of bird behavior and evolution. He served as the President of the American Ornithological Society from 1963 to 1965.

3. Erich Schlichting (1886-1975): A German aeronautical engineer, best known for his work in aerodynamics and aircraft design. He made significant contributions to the development of modern fighter planes during World War II.

4. Lise Schlichting (born 1962): A Danish artist who works primarily with installation art and sculptures. Her works often explore themes of memory, identity, and personal history. She represented Denmark at the Venice Biennale in 1995.

Genealogical research on the last name Schlichting

The last name Schlichting originates from Germany and is a variant of the earlier surname Schlachtung, which translates to 'slaughtering' or 'butchering' in English. It is believed that the name was likely occupied by individuals who were skilled butchers or meat processors during the Middle Ages. The first recorded instance of the surname Schlichting dates back to the late 13th century in the region of Lower Saxony, Germany. As German settlers migrated across Europe and later to North America in the 17th and 18th centuries, variations of the name such as Scheltinga, Schelting, and Schlechten appeared. Today, significant populations of the Schlichting family can be found in the United States, particularly in Wisconsin and Texas, as well as in Germany and Brazil. Notable individuals with the surname Schlichting include German engineer Max Schlichting (1850-1932) and American baseball player John Schlichting (b. 1967).

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Schlichting"
• 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 : 11 June 2025

Share the origin of your last name with your friends