Schlich History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The surname Schlich was first found in Austria, where the name Schlich became noted for its many branches in the region, each house acquiring a status and influence which was envied by the princes of the region. In their later history, bearers of the name became a power unto themselves and were elevated to the ranks of nobility as they grew into this most influential family. The origin of this name is somewhat uncertain; it may come from the Middle High German word "slicken," meaning "to gulp or swallow," in which case it probably originated as a nickname for a gluttonous person. The other possibility is that it comes from the Middle Low German word "slik," meaning "slime" or "bog," in which case it was probably originally given to someone who lived near a bog or marsh.