Surname Scharek - Meaning and Origin
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Scharek: What does the surname Scharek mean?
The last name Scharek is a German or Jewish (Ashkenazic) surname derived from the Slavic word "sharik," which means "little." This name likely originated as a nickname for a small or short person, likely a child or young person. In the Middle Ages, nicknames were often used as a means of identification and differentiation, and many German and Jewish families incorporated these names into their hereditary surnames.
In modern times, the surname Scharek has spread throughout Central and Eastern Europe as a result of migration. It may also refer to someone from the village of Schareken, which is located in the Swiss canton of Grisons. The name is also sometimes spelled Scharik, Scharack, Scharak or Schaarak.
People with the surname Scharek are likely descended from those who lived in Germany or other parts of Central or Eastern Europe during the Middle Ages and who adopted this name. Common occupations for those with this surname include priests, craftsmen, tradesmen and farmers. Today, the Scharek family likely still resides in the same region of Europe where they originated.
Order DNA origin analysisScharek: Where does the name Scharek come from?
The last name Scharek is most commonly found today in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. In Germany, it is found in areas such as Bavaria, Saxony, Brandenburg, and Rhineland-Palatinate. It is also common in some smaller countries such as Liechtenstein, Slovenia, and Croatia.
In the United States, the last name Scharek is not particularly common. It is most frequently found in areas where Germans immigrated to in the late 1800s and early 1900s, such as Texas and Wisconsin. In fact, a few individuals with the Scharek surname currently live in Wisconsin, including one who is a member of the Wisconsin State Senate.
The Scharek family also has a long history in the United States, most notably with John Scharek (born in 1881) who was one of the original settlers of the Delaware and Raritan Canal in New Jersey; he was one of the first people from Europe to settle in the area.
Overall, the last name Scharek is more commonly found in Europe than in the United States, with the highest concentrations located in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. It is also found in smaller numbers in other countries, including the United States, Slovenia, and Croatia.
Variations of the surname Scharek
The surname Scharek has several variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. These include Scharick, Schraick, Schrick, Schreck, and Sharick.
The surname Scharek is generally of German origin, derived from the word “Schar”, which means “troop”, “army”, or “iron”. It many indicate a person who was especially endowed with physical strength, a warrior or a blacksmith. The surname Scharek may also be of Slavic origin, derived from the words “schar” or “khar”, which translates to “care” or “concern”. The name could have been adopted by a person who exhibited particularly compassionate behavior and was held in high regard by those around them.
Scharek and its variants are found throughout Germany, Poland, Slovakia, Czech Republic, Hungary, Russia, and the United States. The name is most prevalent in Germany, where it is the 4,033th most common surname.
In the United States, the surname Scharek is most common in the states of Michigan and Ohio. It is thought to have been brought to America by immigrants in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Overall, Scharek and its variants are found among many countries and regions throughout the world. It is a relatively common surname with many possible origins and meanings.
Famous people with the name Scharek
1.Klaus Scharek: German Olympic bobsledder and Silver Medalist, World Champion 2.Oskar Scharek: German World War I fighter pilot 3.Karen Scharek: Canadian synchronized swimmer, 2006 World Synchronized Swimming Finalist 4.Konrad Scharek: Czechoslovakian double trap shooter, Olympic Silver Medalist 5.Manfred Scharek: German footballer and Bundesliga Champion 6.Adrian Scharek: German ice hockey player and DEL2 champion 7.Michael Scharek: German-born American football player and Super Bowl XXXVII Champion 8.Marcel Scharek: Austrian alpine skier, winner of the World Cup 9.Ulli Scharek: German operatic soprano and Opera National de Paris Artist 10.Andreas Scharek: German Olympic sailor and Bronze Medalist