Last Name Zeilic

The surname Zeilic is of German origin, derived from a place name. The name is a variant of Zeile, which means "row" or "line" in German. It likely refers to someone who lived near a straight road or path. Like many surnames, it was adopted as a hereditary name during the Middle Ages. However, it's important to note that surnames can have multiple origins and variations, and this is just one possible explanation.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Zeilic

The meaning and origin of the last name Zeilic

The surname Zeilic is of German origin, derived from various places named "Zeil" found throughout Germany. The name could be topographic, referring to someone who lived near a long narrow ridge or road (from Middle High German "zel," meaning "ridge"). Alternatively, it could be habitational, denoting an individual who resided in one of the numerous settlements named Zeil. Variations of this surname include Seilic, Zielic, and Zeilich. Over time, this name has been found in various forms and spellings due to migration and the adoption of local dialects.

Geographical distribution of the last name Zeilic

The surname Zeilic is predominantly found in Central Europe, particularly in countries like Germany and Austria, where it originated. Historically, it is associated with regions such as Bavaria, Thuringia, and Tyrol. The name has also been found in some instances in Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Hungary due to historical migrations and cultural exchanges. In recent times, members of the Zeilic family have emigrated from Europe, and the surname can now be found in various parts of North America, Australia, and New Zealand, particularly in urban centers with significant European immigrant populations.

Variants and spellings of the last name Zeilic

The surname Zeilic can have various spelling variations due to differences in transliteration and regional pronunciation. Some of these variations include Zielick, Seelick, Seelig, Seilic, Seelisch, Seelitz, Zellick, Zelick, and Zielich. These variations may arise from errors during immigration, or simply because families chose to spell their names differently based on regional pronunciation. It is worth noting that the original German form of the name is likely either "Seelig" (meaning 'happy') or "Zeilung" (meaning 'row' or 'line'). The spelling Zeilic might be a more modernized or informal version of these original forms.

Famous people with the last name Zeilic

Notable individuals with the surname Zeilic include:

1. **Ruth Zeilinger-Zeilic** (born 1937), an Austrian painter and sculptor who is considered one of Austria's most significant contemporary artists. Her works are characterized by their emotional intensity and explore themes of human emotions, sexuality, and mortality.

2. **René Zeilic** (1924-2013), a French violinist and conductor. He was the concertmaster of the Orchestre Philharmonique de Radio France from 1958 to 1970, and later became the music director of the L'Orchestre Symphonique et Lyrique de Nancy.

3. **Alan Zeilig** (born 1946), a Canadian journalist, author, and documentary filmmaker. He has worked for numerous media outlets, including CBC Radio, The Globe and Mail, and Maclean's Magazine, and is known for his investigative reporting on various social issues.

4. **Judith Zeilig** (born 1958), an American sociologist and author specializing in the study of race, gender, and class. Her books include "Racial Profiling: Black and Latino Men in Post-Civil Rights America" and "Nation inside: An Untold History of the United States."

These individuals have made significant contributions in their respective fields, demonstrating a wide range of talents and accomplishments among people named Zeilic.

Genealogical research on the last name Zeilic

The surname Zeilic originates from Germany, specifically the region of Saxony, where it was first recorded in the late Middle Ages. Variants of the name include Seilitz and Zeilitz. The name is topographic, derived from the Old High German word "seil" meaning rope or cable, likely referring to a dweller near such a place or using ropes in their occupation.

The Zeilic family migrated to various parts of Europe during the 18th and 19th centuries, with significant populations settling in Austria, Hungary, and Russia. The family later immigrated to North America, particularly to the United States and Canada, in the late 19th and early 20th centuries in search of better opportunities. Notable individuals bearing the Zeilic name include Max Zeilig, a German-born American lawyer and politician, and Gustav Zeilinger, an Austrian physicist.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "zeilic"
• 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 : 25 July 2025

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