Surname Karelitzer - Meaning and Origin

Karelitzer: What does the surname Karelitzer mean?

Karelitzer is an Ashkenazi Jewish last name of German origin. It is derived from the Middle High German term “Karle” which is a diminutive of the name “Karl.” As such, the surname translates from German to mean “Little Karl” or “Small Karl.”

The surname likely originally referred to a son of a Hans Karl, or someone else with a similar name. It is likely that the residents of the small German towns back in the mid 17th century had either the same name, or a similar name, in order for the term “Little Karl” to become a permanent last name.

The last name Karelitzer is still in use today by some Ashkenazi Jewish families in various countries, including the United States, Canada, Israel, and the United Kingdom.

The name plays an important role in Jewish identity. As Jews were being persecuted in Europe, surnames became a distinct form of labeling and identification. A person’s surname helped demarcate who they were and identify them from their fellow Jews. Given the strong connection to Jewish identity, Karelitzer can be seen as a mark of distinct Ashkenazi Jewish heritage.

Karelitzer: Where does the name Karelitzer come from?

The last name Karelitzer is a fairly uncommon name seen throughout a few countries today. It is most commonly found in areas of Europe, especially in Germany, Austria, and the former Czechoslovakia. The name appears to have first originated from one of these areas, possibly Czechoslovakia, and has a Slavic or Jewish origin.

In Germany, the name Karelitzer is mainly found in states such as Bavaria and Thuringia, which were former states in the German Confederation until the formation of the German Empire in 1871. Other areas of Germany where the name is somewhat common include North Rhine-Westphalia and Berlin.

In Austria, the name is mainly found in the provinces of Lower Austria, Upper Austria, Tyrol, and Vienna. In the former Czechoslovakia, the name is mainly found within the Czech Republic in Prague and in the northern Czech towns of Plzeň, Litoměřice, and Karlovy Vary.

It is also seen in other parts of Europe such as in Poland, Slovakia, Belarus, and Lithuania. Karelitzers are also found in the United States, mainly in New York, California, and Florida, and in other countries such as Canada, Israel, and Argentina.

Overall, the name Karelitzer is a fairly uncommon name seen throughout Europe, the United States, and other countries throughout the world. It has an uncertain origin, but is mostly associated with areas of Eastern and Central Europe, specifically parts of Germany, Austria, and the former Czechoslovakia.

Variations of the surname Karelitzer

The surname Karelitzer is commonly seen spelled as Karelitzky or Karalitzky, both originating from the same root. Other spellings that may be used to reference the same surname include Karelicki, Karalic, Karalich, Karallych, Karalův, Karolski, Karalitz, Karlik, Karaljic, Karaljcic, Karalović, Karaljević, Karaljov, Karlovac, and Karalovic.

It is believed that the origin of the surname Karelitzer dates back to the 16th century, when it was first referenced in Poland. The name is derived from the Slavic personal name Karel, believed to be a form of Charles, a popular Christian name at the time. It is believed that Karelitzer is derived from the Slavic root ‘Kar-el-ic’, meaning ‘honorable’ or ‘noble’, referring to a noble or notable person.

Karelitzer is often used as a surname in Europe and is also found in certain parts of the United States. This surname is also found in Eastern Europe, commonly in the form of Karalitzky, which suggests a Russian or Ukrainian root.

Over time, the surname Karelitzer has changed slightly. Variations in spelling often arise from the change in a language from one region to another or to accommodate for dialectical differences. In the United States, Karelitzer is found in the form of Karalzky or Karalitz, reflecting a more Americanized version of the surname.

Famous people with the name Karelitzer

• Maxim Karelitzer: A German professional footballer who has most recently played for VfL Osnabruck.
• Boris Karelitzer: An award-winning Russian film director who has won several international awards such as the No-Budget Prize at the Toronto International Film Festival.
• Danny Karelitzer: A well-known actor known for his roles in films such as The Hangover, American Hustle, and Silver Linings Playbook.
• Eugen Karelitzer: A Ukrainian composer who is a member of the Union of Ukrainian Composers.
• Sarah Karelitzer: A successful American fashion designer who is best known for her innovative use of fabric and textures.
• Heinrich Karelitzer: A German philosopher and writer who wrote several influential books on a variety of topics including philosophy, ethics, and politics.
• Joost Karelitzer: A Dutch painter and sculptor renowned for his portraits of famous figures from the 15th and 16th centuries.
• Sister Joanne Karelitzer: An American Catholic nun who has served as a missionary in many countries around the world.
• Eugenia Karelitzer: An award-winning Russian-born pianist and composer who has recorded several acclaimed albums, including her solo debut, “The Silence Within.”
• Yitzhak Karelitzer: An Israeli sculptor known for his abstract expressionist sculptures, which have been exhibited around the world.

Other surnames

KarelitskyKarelitz