Surname Schachinger - Meaning and Origin
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Schachinger: What does the surname Schachinger mean?
The last name Schachinger is believed to have originated from the Germanic language, specifically the Upper Austria region of Austria. It is a surname believed to have derived from the word "schach", which means "chess". This likely refers to people who were skilled at playing the game, or those who may be related to an individual who was.
The name is also believed to have originated from a nickname, most likely assigned to someone due to their physical characteristics that resembled a chess piece, such as a bishop. This is supported by the fact that the word "schach" is also associated with religious counselors.
Ultimately, the name Schachinger is likely associated with skill in playing the game of chess, or could have been assigned to someone due to their physical characteristics that resembled a chess piece. At the very least, it can be said that the owners of the surname Schachinger were likely admired for their skills with the game, and most likely passed this skill down to their descendants.
Order DNA origin analysisSchachinger: Where does the name Schachinger come from?
The last name Schachinger is most common in Germany today. It is one of the most rapidly growing surnames in the country and is the fourth most common surname in the vast majority of German states. However, the surname does not only exist in the German language. Schachinger is also found among people of Jewish heritage. The surname is most common among those descended from Austro-Hungarian Jewish immigrants and their descendants scattered throughout Eastern Europe.
The name can also also be found among a number of Central and East European immigrant families who have relocated to the United States, Canada, Australia, and other countries. In the U.S, it ranks among the top 15,000 surnames, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, and around the world its presence is slowly growing.
The origin of the name is still widely debated today. Many researchers attribute it to a German word meaning “one who chases”, likely referring to a hunter or tracker. Others believe that it derived from the name “Schacht”, which means “mine” or “well”, referring to an occupation of the original bearer.
Regardless of its origin, the surname Schachinger is a well-known name today and still found in many parts of the world. While the stronghold remains in Germany, it has grown significantly around the world in recent decades and is now one of the most widespread surnames in the world.
Variations of the surname Schachinger
Schachinger is a German surname which is derived from the Medieval personal name "Schach"—a nickname for someone who played the game of chess. Other variants of the Schachinger surname include Schachinger, Schachenhofer, Schaching, Schachingerhofer, Schachingerl, Schachingerle, Schachingerlin, Schachingerly, Schachingholz, Schachingermüller, and Schachhuber.
The surname can also be spelled several different ways including Schechinger, Schöchinger, Schächinger and Schöchinger. Schachinger is also a hyphenated surname in which each of the two connected names has its own origin, meaning, and history. For example, Schachinger-Kreil could be derived from Schachinger and Kreil, both German surnames of different derivations.
In the United States, the variant spelling of Schackinger has been documented in Pennsylvania since the 1800s. In addition, the surname can also be found with the English suffix "-er", as many German immigration records from the late 19th century used "-er" as the spelling instead of the original German "-er", such as in the form Schachingerr.
Regardless of how it is spelled, the Schachinger surname is a reminder of the game of chess and its popularity in European countries centuries ago.
Famous people with the name Schachinger
- Lukas Schachinger: an Austrian soccer player who has played for Austria Wien and a variety of other teams since the early 2000s.
- Victoria Schachinger: a popular German recording artist, songwriter, and music producer.
- Gertraud Schachinger: an Austrian art historian specialized in the 18th and 19th century.
- Meinrad Schachinger: a widely renowned Austrian cellist, professor, and pedagogue.
- Alois Schachinger: a contemporary Austrian-Czech sculptor.
- Johann Karl Schachinger: 19th century Austrian music composer and organist.
- Ernst Schachinger: an Austrian-born American-based medical doctor, researcher and lecturer of psychiatry.
- Matthieu Schachinger: a professional German dancer, choreographer and dance teacher.
- Martin Schachinger: a German contemporary artist.
- Joseph Schachinger: an Austrian-American painter and sculptor, known for his maritime scenes.