Surname Karelitz - Meaning and Origin

Karelitz: What does the surname Karelitz mean?

The last name Karelitz is of Russian and Jewish origin. It is an occupational name derived from the literary term “Karelitz” or “Karianetz” which translate to “Head of the Troops” or “Commander of the Troops”. This term was originally found in the Russian Empire as a high-ranking military position.

It is believed that the Karelitz surname could also have origins from a former Jewish settlement in Ukraine, which was named Karianetz. This name was then adopted and passed down as a family name for the town’s inhabitants. However, we are unable to confirm this theory.

Over time, the name Karelitz began to appear in various regions of the world such as Europe, Israel, and the United States, as people with the Karelitz surname moved to different places. Today, the Karelitz surname is widespread and can be found amongst individuals of many different backgrounds and nationalities.

The Jocelyn Karelitz Center for the Study of Russian and Jewish heritage is an organization that is dedicated to conducting studies, research projects, and programs focusing on the history and culture of the Karelitz surname. Through their research and dedication, they hope to bridge the gap between the past and present of the once prominent Karelitz family.

Karelitz: Where does the name Karelitz come from?

The last name Karelitz is most commonly found today in Israel. While it also exists in other countries, the most Karelitz families are thought to have emigrated from Russia and Eastern Europe to Israel, prompting its greater concentration in the Jewish state.

The Karelitz family's journey to Israel began in Russia and Eastern Europe when Rabbi Chaim Kreiswirth of the Belz Hasidic dynasty called for the resettlement of Jews to Israel in the late 1800s. The Karelitz family was amongst those who answered his call, and since then the Karelitz name has become fully ingrained in Israeli society.

Today, there is an Israeli town called Karelitz, as well as several Hasidic neighborhoods in various cities in Israel, such as Bnei Brak, Tel Aviv, and Jerusalem, that are also named after the Karelitz family. A well known Israeli Hasidic dynasty called Modzitz is also named after Rabbi Yosef Karelitz, a descendant of the Karelitz family.

Within the Hasidic community, the Karelitz name is extremely respected and revered. The family is seen as a symbol of determination and perseverance, as the tale of the family's journey from Russia and Eastern Europe to Israel serves as an important reminder of the loyalty and dedication required for the Jews to continue to thrive.

In sum, the last name Karelitz is most commonly found in Israel today, however, it is still found in other countries such as the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. The Karelitz family is remembered fondly amongst the Hasidic community for their determination and perseverance, leaving an important legacy in Israeli society.

Variations of the surname Karelitz

The surname Karelitz (also spelled Karelits, Karalitz or Karalits) is a Germanized variant of the Hebrew and Yiddish name Karolitz meaning "Man of Steel." Originating in Eastern Europe, particularly Poland and Hungary, the surname is a variation of the personal name Karol, derived from the Latin form Carolus.

A branch of the Karolitz family migrated to Holland, where the name was changed to Delekarl. Some members of the family later changed their name to D'Karlitz, leading to the emergence of the Karlitz and Karelitz spelling.

The Karolitz family has had a significant presence in Europe and the United States since the 16th century. Many members of the family became prominent Jewish rabbis, teachers, scholars, and financiers, leading to the growth of the Karelitz surname.

The name has also been spelled in a variety of other ways, including Karelis, Karalitzki, Karolitz, Karolitzer, Karelitzky, or Karelitsky. In some rare cases, Karelitz morphed into Karolitsky, with members of the family ultimately taking the name from Karol to Karlitsky.

In the United States, the Karelitz family members are primarily concentrated in the states of Pennsylvania and New York. The greatest concentration of Karelitz families outside of the United States is believed to be in Israel, where the name is particularly popular in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv.

Famous people with the name Karelitz

• Rabbi Chaim Kanievsky (also known as Reb Chaim HaGaon, רב חיים הגאון), a prominent rabbi and leading authority in matters of Jewish law.
• Chaim Yaakov Karelitz (1878–1953), Lithuanian-Israeli rabbi of Haredi Judaism and leader of the non-Hasidic Haredim in Jerusalem.
• Tzvi Karelitz (1915–2006), Israeli rabbi and posek.
• Eliyahu Meir Karelitz (1878–1953), Chief Rabbi of the British Mandate of Palestine from 1921 to 1937.
• Yitzchok Karelitz (1922–2013), Israeli rabbi and one of the country's leading authorities on Jewish law.
• Shaul Yisrael Karelitz (1886–1985), the Lubavitcher Rebbe's brother-in-law and a key figure in the Chabad movement.
• Tuvia Karelitz (1930–2012), Israeli rabbi and talmudic scholar.
• Chiam Karelitz (1918–2010), Israeli rabbi and leader of the Bnei Brak community.
• Nosson Karelitz (1917–2007), Israeli rabbi and Dean of Yeshiva Toras Emes in Jerusalem.
• David Ifrah Karelitz (1915-2011), Lithuanian-Israeli rabbi and scholar of responsa.

Other surnames

KarelitskyKarelitzer

Comments or additions to the name "Karelitz"

18.02.2024
At one point in the late 1800s and early 1900s there were literally at least 100 people with surname Karelitz in Haverhill, Ma. and more scattered in northeast Massachusetts. In Haverhill there was more than one Samuel Karelitz including my Great Grandfather. Since mail frequently went to the wrong person my Great Grandfather changed his surname to Karelis which was my Mother Blanche Felser's maiden name. There is a wonderful Karelitz, Korelitz, Karelis family tree online. My branch was from Rozinois? in Lithuania.
Thank you, Fred Felser MD