Find out how popular the last name Schätzke is in the United States and learn more about the meaning, history, and race and ethnic origin of people in America who are named Schätzke.

Schätzke, like all of the last names we have data for, is identified by the U.S. Census Bureau as a surname which has more than 100 occurrences in the United States in the Decennial Census survey. The most recent statistics we have for the Schätzke surname is from the 2000 census data.

Popularity of Schätzke in America

Schätzke is the 150436th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Schätzke surname appeared 100 times in the 2000 census and if you were to sample 100,000 people in the United States, approximately 0 people would have the surname Schätzke.

The history of the last name Schätzke

The surname Schatzke has its origins in Central Europe, most notably within the regions of modern-day Germany and Poland. It is believed to have emerged between the 13th and 15th centuries, a time of significant settlement and social organization in this part of Europe. The name is largely derived from the Middle High German word "Schatz," which translates to "treasure" or "valuable object," indicating that the name may have originally been a nickname or occupational surname for someone who dealt with valuables, such as a treasurer or a keep of precious items.

The suffix 'ke' is a diminutive in the German language, often implying "little" or "junior," which may suggest that Schatzke could have initially referred to "little treasure" or a "small valuable." This diminutive suffix is also found in Polish surnames, indicating a linguistic blending that often occurred in these border regions. Early versions of the name, such as Schatz, Schatze, or Schatzel, suggest that the name underwent several modifications before settling on Schatzke.

Historical references to the surname are somewhat sparse, but records from the 15th and 16th centuries in Hesse and Silesia mention the name in various official documents. For example, a 1523 tax ledger from the area around modern-day Leipzig lists a Hans Schatzke as a prominent local merchant. By the 17th century, the name appears more frequently in church records and legal documents, signaling that the family had established a considerable presence in these regions.

One of the earliest recorded examples is that of Martin Schatzke, born in 1531 in the Silesian town of Wrocław, known historically as Breslau. He was a notable member of the local guild of goldsmiths, emphasizing the occupational aspect suggested by the etymology of the name. Another prominent figure is Elisabeth Schatzke, born in 1643, who was documented in church records from Erfurt as a midwife, suggesting the name was not limited to a single occupation or social role.

In the 18th century, the Schatzke name appears in the notable historical annals of Brandenburg. Johannes Schatzke was a well-known landowner and local councilman born in 1715, further demonstrating the family's integration into various aspects of social and economic life. Another figure of interest is Wilhelm Schatzke, a composer born in Dresden in 1792, who made significant contributions to local music traditions and left behind several manuscripts archived in the city's central library.

A final notable historical figure is Friedrich Schatzke, born in 1854 in Berlin. He was a scientist and inventor known for his work in early electrical engineering. His contributions were recognized in several publications from the late 19th century, cementing his legacy within the academic and scientific communities of the time.

The surname Schatzke, therefore, holds a rich tapestry of historical and cultural significance, reflecting the diverse roles and statuses held by its bearers throughout Central European history. It stands as a testament to the dynamic and interwoven heritage of the regions it originates from.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Schätzke

We also have some data on the ancestry of people with the surname Schätzke.

The below race categories are the modified race categories used in the Census Bureau's population estimates program. All people were categorized into six mutually exclusive racial and Hispanic origin groups:

1. White only
2. Black only
3. American Indian and Alaskan Native only
4. Asian and Pacific Islander only
5. Hispanic
6. Two or More Races

For the most recent 2000 census data, the race/ethnic origin breakdown for Schätzke was:

Note: Any fields showing (S) means the data was suppressed for privacy so that the data does not in any way identify any specific individuals.

Data source

The last name data and ethnic breakdown of last names is sourced directly from the Decennial Census survey, conducted every 10 years by the United States Census Bureau.

The history and meaning of the name Schätzke was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Schätzke, please contact us.

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