Melnick

Melnick is a surname of Eastern European origin, found among Jewish communities as well as Slavic populations. It is typically understood to be occupational in origin, reflecting an ancestor who worked as a miller.

Etymology and variants: The name is linked to the Slavic roots melnik or melnyk, which mean “mill” or “miller” in languages such as Ukrainian, Russian, and Polish. The form Melnick represents an Anglicized transliteration of these roots, and it has several closely related spellings, including Melnik, Melnyk, Melnik, and Milnick, depending on language and immigration-era spelling practices.

Geographic distribution: The surname appears in the United States, Canada, Israel, and various European countries, with distribution shaped by migration and transliteration from Cyrillic and Hebrew scripts. In North America, Melnick often coexists with closely related variants such as Melnik and Melnyk.

Notable bearers and usage: There are individuals bearing the surname Melnick who have gained recognition in fields ranging from science and academia to the arts and sports. As with many surnames of immigration-era origin, the name Melnick can be encountered in diverse communities and professions.

See also: Related surnames include Melnik, Melnyk, Melnik, and other transliterations of the same occupational root.