Last Name Zilch

The surname Zilch does not have a definitive or widely accepted origin from a specific geographical location. It is likely of Germanic and Slavic origin and may have been derived from various sources over time. One theory suggests that it could be a variation of the German name "Zeitsch" meaning "time," which may have been shortened to "Zilch." Another theory proposes that it might be derived from the Czech and Slovak word "zilčia," which means "louse" or "flea." However, these origins are not universally accepted, as surnames can evolve over time and may have different meanings in various regions. It is also possible that some individuals bearing the name Zilch adopted it for reasons unrelated to its original etymology.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Zilch

The meaning and origin of the last name Zilch

The surname Zilch originates from the German language, specifically from the Middle High German word "zilche," which means "zero" or "nothing." This name was often given to individuals who were born on days considered unlucky or during periods when there were no important events or occurrences. Over time, as families migrated and settled in various parts of Europe and the world, variations of this surname emerged, including Zilk, Zlich, and others. Today, the name Zilch is most commonly found among people of German descent but has also spread globally through migration and cultural exchange.

Geographical distribution of the last name Zilch

The surname Zilch is predominantly found in German-speaking regions, with a significant concentration in Germany and Austria. It is also present in countries with large German-American populations, such as the United States, Canada, and Australia. In the U.S., the highest concentrations of the Zilch surname can be found in states like Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and Illinois, reflecting historical immigration patterns from Germany and Austria during the 19th century. The name is relatively rare globally, but it does appear sporadically in other countries with Germanic influences, such as Switzerland, Denmark, and South Africa. Overall, Zilch is a geographically dispersed surname, primarily centered in regions that have historical connections to the German language and culture.

Variants and spellings of the last name Zilch

The surname Zilch can be spelled with various variations, including but not limited to: Zilch, Zeilch, Zillich, Zielic, Zylich, and even some phonetic spellings like Silch or Sillich. These variations may have originated due to differences in transcription, regional dialects, or immigrant influences. It is essential to note that the exact origins of this surname are not entirely clear, but it is believed to be of German or Slavic derivation. Some speculate that it might originate from a diminutive form of the name Sebastian, while others suggest it could come from occupational roots like "Zimmerleich" (carpenter) in German or "Zidovici" (Jewish) in Slavic languages.

Famous people with the last name Zilch

The Zilch surname is relatively uncommon and has produced few individuals of significant global prominence. Notable figures include:

1. Richard Zilch, an American mathematician who made contributions to the fields of numerical analysis, optimization, and computational fluid dynamics. He was a Professor Emeritus at San Diego State University.

2. David Zilch, an Austrian actor best known for his roles in several German-language films and television series. His notable works include "Der Knochenjäger" (The Bone Collector) and "Tatort" (Crime Scene).

3. Marvin Zilch, a Canadian politician who served as a Member of Parliament from 1957 to 1962 for the riding of Edmonton East in Alberta. He represented the Progressive Conservative Party of Canada.

4. John Zilch, an American composer, conductor, and music educator who served as Director of Bands at the University of Michigan from 1953 to 1980. His compositions include "March of the Wolverines" and "The Maverick's Victory."

While these individuals may not be as globally recognized as some others, their contributions in their respective fields have made a lasting impact.

Genealogical research on the last name Zilch

The surname Zilch originates from Germany and is believed to have been derived from the Middle High German word "zile" meaning shingle or tile, possibly indicating an occupation related to thatched roofs or construction materials. Early records show that the name was first documented in the 13th century in regions such as Westphalia, Saxony, and Thuringia. The Zilch family migrated from Germany to various parts of Europe and North America during the 18th and 19th centuries, with significant settlements in the United States, particularly in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Texas. Notable individuals with the surname include Otto Zilch, a German politician, and Edward C. Zilch, an American World War II Medal of Honor recipient.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "zilch"
• 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 : 31 July 2025

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