Surname Herlitschka - Meaning and Origin

Herlitschka: What does the surname Herlitschka mean?

The last name Herlitschka is of German origin. It most likely is derived from the German name “Herlich,” which means brave heart or strong heart. Its original spelling may have been something similar to "Herlitschke,” with the “ke” suffix found in many German surnames.

It is likely that the first Herlitschka was of noble stock; the surname is classically found among the upper classes of Germany. Many generations ago, a nobleman may have displayed brave, courageous, and daring behavior, inspiring his family to take his surname to honor his legacy.

The Herlitschka surname is found today across Germany and Europe as a whole. Its popularity has spread to other countries around the world through latter-day migrations.

The Herlitschka name continues to signify strength and courage. It is a reminder of the qualities of the brave and strong-hearted individuals, both past and present, that contribute to the wonderful tapestry of life.

Herlitschka: Where does the name Herlitschka come from?

The last name Herlitschka is most commonly found in Austria, where it first originated. Its exact roots are unknown, but the most widely accepted explanation is that it was introduced to Austria through the ongoing immigration of Germanic peoples in the late nineteenth century.

Since then, it has spread to other parts of Europe, such as Italy, Hungary and the Czech Republic. The United States also has a small population of Herlitschkas, mostly descendants of Austrian immigrants who came over during the mid-twentieth century.

Today the name Herlitschka is still common in Austria, where over four hundred people still share the family name. It also still remains in other parts of Europe, particularly in Hungary. The number of Herlitschka's in the United States is quite low, with the latest US Census showing just over two hundred people with the last name living in the US.

Overall, the Herlitschka name is still seen, though not as common as it once was. It is found across Europe, particularly in Austria, and a small number of Herlitschkas still remain in the United States today.

Variations of the surname Herlitschka

Herlitschka is a surname of German, Czech, Austrian, Polish, Jewish and Slovak origin. The variants and spellings are Herlick, Herlitschk, Herlicki, Herlik, Harlitschka, Harlitska, Harlicka, Harlicki, Harlek, Herleck, Herlek, Hermannitschke, Hermelits, Helitschka, Herlikova, Herlikowicz and Herlik.

The German and Czech variants of the surname often contain the prefixes 'Her' and 'Har', originating from the Germanic 'Hari' and 'Heor' meaning army or warrior. The variant ‘Hermannitschke’ may also be translated to 'son of Hermann'.

In Slovakia, the names may originate from the surname ‘Harlecký’ which is derived from the verb 'harlekhati' (to chatter or jabber) or the Czech verb 'harliti' (to be industrious).

In Poland, the surname is usually translated to ‘Herlik’ and may come from the custom of adoption of the mother’s maiden/birth surname. Herlik may also mean 'child of Herl' or 'son of Herl'.

The Jewish variant ‘Herlick/Herlitzka’ of the surname is common in the Ukraine, Belarus, Lithuania, Poland, and Russia. It is derived from the given name ‘Herl’ and may mean 'son of Herl'. It may also be interpreted as ‘angel of Herl’, coming from the Hebrew ‘mal'ach’ (messenger/angel).

Overall, there are many different variants, spellings and surnames that have the same origin as the surname Herlitschka. The variants present in different languages and regions provide insight into their possible meanings according to ancient custom and language.

Famous people with the name Herlitschka

• Thomas Herlitschka: Thomas is a world-renowned Austrian-American scientist believed to have revolutionized the fields of medicine and biotechnology. He holds numerous patents and awards for his work, and his discoveries helped lead to major developments in gene therapy, in vitro fertilization, and cloning technology.
• Bela Herlitschka: Bela is a prominent Hungarian trade unionist, author, and social scientist. He was a founding leader of the outlawed Solidarity movement, and his works have been credited with helping shape the modern labor movement in Hungary.
• Alfred Herlitschka: Alfred is a prominent Austrian politician, currently serving as the leader of the Austrian People's Party. He is also a prominent figure in the Austrian environmental movement, working to protect Austria's nature sites and defend the country's public lands.
• Christian Herlitschka: Christian is an Austrian pianist and conductor who has appeared with multiple symphony orchestras around the world. He has orchestrated and conducted various operas, and is renowned for his collaboration with some of the world's greatest singers.
• Alex Herlitschka: Alex is a multi-instrumentalist from Germany who has released two albums and been featured on several others. He is a master of the French horn and other brass instruments, and is hailed for his unique mix of traditional jazz and contemporary pop.

Other surnames

Herlitschke