Schleiff History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Germany

The name is derived from the German word "schleifen," meaning "to grind" or "polish," and is almost certainly occupational in origin, meaning that the name came from the profession of its first bearer. Most likely, the name's first bearer was one who polished swords and armor for a living, though it is also possible that he ground diamonds.

Early Origins of the Schleiff family

The surname Schleiff was first found in Germany, where the name Schleiff came from humble beginnings but gained a significant reputation for its contribution to the emerging mediaeval society. It later became more prominent as numerous branches of the same house acquired distant estates, some of which were located in other countries. Through the acquisition of these estates as well as their important contributions to society, the family successfully elevated their social status.

Early History of the Schleiff family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Schleiff research. Another 67 words (5 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Schleiff History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Schleiff Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: Schleiffer, Schleifer, Schleif, Schleifmann and many more.

Early Notables of the Schleiff family

More information is included under the topic Early Schleiff Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Schleiff migration to the United States +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

Schleiff Settlers in United States in the 18th Century

Johan Jacob Schleiff, who was recorded in Philadelphia in 1741
Johan Jacob Schleiff, who landed in Pennsylvania in 1741 1
Friederich Schleiff, who took an Oath of Allegiance to the Satae of Pennsylvania in 1773
Friederich Schleiff, who arrived in Pennsylvania in 1773 1

Contemporary Notables of the name Schleiff (post 1700) +

Hans Schleiff, German, classical archaeologist

Citations +

Filby, P. William, Meyer, Mary K., Passenger and immigration lists index : a guide to published arrival records of about 500,000 passengers who came to the United States and Canada in the seventeenth, eighteenth, and nineteenth centuries. 1982-1985 Cumulated Supplements in Four Volumes Detroit, Mich. : Gale Research Co., 1985, Print (ISBN 0-8103-1795-8)