Surname Orlicek - Meaning and Origin

Orlicek: What does the surname Orlicek mean?

The last name Orlicek is one of many ethnic Czech surnames that originated in the Austro-Hungarian Empire. The name is derived from the Old Czech word 'orlic', which translates to eagle. It was originally used as an ornamental and nickname derived from a person's physical resemblance or character to an eagle, or to show admiration for the strength and courage that the mythical bird symbolizes.

The root of the name can be traced back to the Latin 'Aquila', the genus name for eagles and other birds of prey. This name was used to refer to an individual who impressed others with their strength, courage, and leadership skills, and eventually led to it being used as an ethnic surname.

Orlicek is primarily found in the Czech Republic, Slovak Republic, United States, Canada, Germany, United Kingdom, Austria, and countries throughout Europe where there are large Czech-speaking immigrant populations. There are also approximately 260 people in the United States with this surname.

The meaning of the surname Orlicek conveys a strong sense of power, bravery, and leadership. It is a name with a long and proud history that has been carried by members of the Czech diaspora for generations.

Orlicek: Where does the name Orlicek come from?

The last name Orlicek is primarily associated with countries in Central and Eastern Europe such as the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Poland, and Hungary. This surname can also be found in other countries with a strong population of people with Czech and Slovak ancestry living in the U.S., Australia, and Canada.

The Czech Republic is home to the highest concentration of Orlicek's. In 2019, an estimated 74,242 people had the surname Orlicek based on records obtained from 18 select towns in the Czech Republic. Slovakia also had a high concentration of Orliceks according to 2019 data with 15,546 individuals living in the country with this surname.

Recent records indicate that Poland also has a significant population of Orliceks living there. It is estimated that over 6,000 individuals currently live in Poland with the surname. Additionally, Hungary has an estimated 1,837 people with the surname Orlicek living there at present.

In the U.S., Canada, and Australia, the last name Orlicek is less common than in its countries of origin. The same is true in other countries with significant populations of people of Czech and Slovak descent. There are still a few pockets of people with the Orlicek name living in the U.S., Canada, and Australia. However, the total estimated number of individuals is under 1,000.

Regardless of the country on origin or present geographic location, the Orlicek name is still a fairly uncommon and unique surname. It is likely that people any surname holds a special significance to the family and individuals who are part of it.

Variations of the surname Orlicek

The surname Orlicek is associated with the Czech Republic, and is usually found in that country as well as its surrounding regions. Though variants of the name exist, the most common spelling is Orlicek. It is a relatively unusual surname, but those who have it can be sure that their roots trace back to Bohemia.

Variants of the name Orlicek include Orliček, Orlichek, Orlick, Orlicki, Orliki, Orlich, Orlicha, Orlik, Orlík, and Orlíček. However, these are not official spellings, and may only appear in some local documents or old texts. Some other variants spell the name slightly differently, like Orlicekoff or Oroldt.

Surnames of similar origin to Orlicek include Orlich, Orlik, Orlancek, Orlin, Orlikoff, Orlink, and Orlansky. These all come from the same root, and may have been passed down from the same ancestor. However, their meaning could have shifted slightly over time, leading to different variations.

Though the surname is not particularly common, those with the surname Orlicek can undoubtedly trace their roots back to Bohemia, and may be interested in exploring their family’s history further. With so many variants and spellings, it could also be a fascinating journey to uncover the different possibilites hidden within the name.

Famous people with the name Orlicek

• Zdenek Orlicek: a Czech chef, TV host, and actor
• Mike Orlicek: a former American football player
• Anna Orlicek: an Austrian artist and textile designer
• Richard Orlicek: a former Chicago-based jazz pianist
• Karel Orlicek: a Czech stage, film, and television actor
• Filip Orlicek: a Czech figure skater
• Jaroslav Orlicek: a Czech ice hockey player
• Jiri Orlicek: a Czech football player
• Jan Orlicek: a Czech composer and musicologist
• Pavel Orlicek: a Czech field hockey player

Other surnames

OrlickOrliczek