Surname Erlach - Meaning and Origin

Erlach: What does the surname Erlach mean?

The last name Erlach is of German origin and is derived from the Middle High German erle for "eagle" or "noble". It can also be a variation of the name "Erlenbach" meaning "eagle brook". The name most likely was originally borne by someone from a place named with one of these two terms.

The earliest documented use of the name Erlach is from the 15th century in southwestern Germany and is linked with the town of Erlach in the canton of Berne in Switzerland. During this time period, it was mainly used to denote a person from this area.

In the modern era, the Erlach surname can be found all around the world. It is most prevalent in the United States, Germany, Czech Republic, Austria, Switzerland, Canada, and France.

The Erlach surname can be an indication of a family's noble and prestigious past. It is an interesting and often unique heritage to have — one that can bring pride to individuals of the name and offer insight into historical epochs.

Erlach: Where does the name Erlach come from?

The last name Erlach is most commonly found in Germany and Eastern Europe. It is an Ashkenazic Jewish name derived from the German word erlach, meaning "from the riverbank." Historically, the name has been found primarily in Prussia, Austria, the Czech Republic, and Hungary, though today it is more widely spread throughout Europe.

In Germany, Erlach is a rather rare name, with the majority of families found in the southern state of Bavaria. Records indicate that in 1862, there were 54 families bearing the last name in the city of Munich alone. An estimated 780 individuals in Germany carry the last name today.

In the Czech Republic, Erlach is also a relatively uncommon last name, with an estimated 265 people living today with the surname. This is a much lower number than the estimated 616 people bearing the name that were living in the Czech Republic in 1990.

In Hungary, Erlach is thought to be a common name in the Jewish community, though much less common among the general population. It is believed that the name spread through Ashkenazic migration in the 18th century. In 2009, Hungarian records indicated that there were an estimated 3,101 citizens bearing the last name.

Overall, the name Erlach is relatively rare throughout Europe today, though it is still quite common in certain parts of Germany, the Czech Republic, and Hungary. Its prevalence may further shrink due to its Jewish heritage and the intermarrying of those with the last name.

Variations of the surname Erlach

The variant spellings of the surname Erlach include Arlach, Arlacher, Arlachery, Erlacher, Erlachery, Erlacher, Erlach, Erlacht, Erlich, Erlichter, Erlagh and Erlag. There could also other variants, depending on the language and geographical origins of the particular family line.

Erlach is of a German and Jewish origin. The German spelling of the surname is Erlach (meaning “log cabin”) and it was often adopted by Jewish families when they moved to Germany. In Jewish culture, it is also known as the Hebrew name Yerushalayim, meaning “place of peace.”

In Switzerland, the surname is often spelled Erlach owing to the regional dialect. The variant spellings of Erlach in Switzerland are Erlag and Erlagh.

Surnames of Erlach heritage can also be found in Austria, with the variant spelling Erlichter being more common there. This form of the surname is believed to have originated from the German word erlich which means “honest” or “true”.

In Poland, the variants of the surname Erlach are Arlach and Arlacher. Arlach is a variation on the name that evolved from the old German word arloch, which means “wolf”. The alternate surname Erlacher or Arlachery is believed to have derived from the German term arl, meaning “forest,” and haus, meaning “house”.

Other variations of the name Erlach can be found in the United States, usually with a single “l” such as Erlach, Erlacht, Erlich and Erlichter.

In conclusion, there are many variants and surnames of the same origin for the surname Erlach, depending on geographical and linguistic origins. These different spellings and surnames are often linked to the region where the name is most common and the modern understanding of the origin of the surname.

Famous people with the name Erlach

• Alex Erlach, pop singer songwriter and producer
• Shelburne Erlach, New Zealand-born sculptor
• Peter Erlach, Australian senior officer in the Royal Australian Air Force
• Ulf Erlach, German sociologist and author
• Tyler Erlach, American professional beach volleyball player
• Walter Erlach, Swiss politician who served in the Swiss Council of States
• Kathryn Erlach, American journalist and documentary filmmaker
• Isaac Erlach, Austrian-born photographer
• Dainius Erlachas, Lithuanian former professional basketball player
• Suna Erlach, German lawyer and civil servant

Other surnames

Erlacher