Surname Michalec - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'M'
Michalec: What does the surname Michalec mean?
The last name Michalec is derived from the Czech language and likely originated in the Czech Republic or one of its surrounding nations. In the old Slavic language, Michalec means “small Michael”, and is often used as a nickname or surname to distinguish between two people with the same given name.
The use of Michalec as a surname expanded with the increased popularity of Christianity in the Czech Republic. The name Michael was popularized in the Czech lands as a way to honor the archangel Michael who is a well-known figure in the Bible. Eventually, Michalec became an established surname and spread across Europe.
The earliest known bearer of the Michalec surname was a nobleman from Bohemia in the early 14th century. His legacy was documented in manuscripts which connected him to a prominent member of the Czech aristocracy. Over time, the Michalec surname branched out to other Eastern European countries and was adopted by members of the Czech diaspora. Today, Michalec is a common surname among Czech populations.
The meaning of Michalec still holds strong connotations to the original meaning of the name. It stands to honor the angel Michael, and provides familial and regional identity to those who carry it.
Order DNA origin analysisMichalec: Where does the name Michalec come from?
The last name Michalec is most commonly found in countries in Central and Eastern Europe and is most prevalent in Poland, Czechia, Slovakia, and Hungary. After emigration, it was brought to the United States, notably by settlers from Austria-Hungary, and can also now be found in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Canada, and Australia. In Poland today it is the 997th most common last name, with over 12,000 people carrying it. It is most common in the south of the country, particularly in the Masovian and Lesser Poland voivodeships. In Czechia it is the 8th most common surname, with over 36,000 individuals bearing it, and is found mainly in the northeastern part of the country, while in Hungary is the 438th surname, making up 0.0015% of the population, and particularly found in the southeast of the country.
The etymology of the name is uncertain, with some suggesting it might be derived from the personal name Michal as a patronymic, with the suffix -ec referring to small or lesser. Another hypothesis is that it originated from the Polish word michałek, meaning little Michal; or the Czech word mihalek, meaning small Michael. It is also possible for it to have its roots in a pre-Christian toponymic name.
Variations of the surname Michalec
The surname Michalec has several variants and alternate spellings, including Michalicek, Michalych, Mihalec, Mihaleck, Mihalecz, Mihalecky, and Mihalek. Additionally, there are many surnames that are derived from the original name, including Michachek, Michalkycek, Mihalicek, Mihalicyk, Mihaliczek, Mihalick, Mihalko, Mihleck, Mihlycek, and Mihlyak.
The surname Michalec is of Slavic origin and is based upon the personal given name Michal, which is a variant of the Hebrew name Michael (meaning "Who is like God"). The suffix "-ec" is a diminutive which has been added to the name.
In Slovenia, the surname is widely found and is derived from the Slovenian adjective mihalec which translates to "small Michael", indicating that the original bearer of the name was a person of small stature.
In Poland, the surname is thought to be derived from the Polish word mikolaj, which is also a variant of the given name Michael.
In Ukraine, the surname is derived from the Ukrainian variant of the given name Mykola, which is the equivalent of the name Nicholas.
In Slovakia the surname is derived from the Slovak given name Michal, which is also a variant of the name Michael.
The surname Michalec can also be found in Slovakia and elsewhere in many other countries such as the United States, Canada, Hungary, Austria, Australia, Russia, Belarus, South Africa, France and Israel.
Famous people with the name Michalec
- Chris Michalec: Christian singer-songwriter
- John Michalec: Former MLB player
- Joe Michalec: Former NFL player
- Robert Michalec: TV personality, former host of Didja Know?
- Carrie Michalec: Actress and comedian
- Casey Michalec: Stand-up comic, former Saturday Night Live writer
- Nathalie Michalec: Instagram star, fitness enthusiast
- Steve Michalec: Actor, stuntman
- Amanda Michalec: Professional makeup artist
- Katie Michalec: Pitcher, professional softball player
- Meggie Michalec: Writer, art historian
- Dominik Michalec: Olympic medalist in sabre fencing
- Max Michalec: Author, photographer, video director
- William Michalec: Sound editor, Foley artist
- Ray Michalec: Marketing executive
- Debra Michalec: YouTube influencer, vlogger
- Roberta Michalec: Professional ballet dancer
- Tom Michalec: Professional hockey player
- Todd Michalec: Chef and restaurateur
- Hilary Michalec: Human rights activist