Shmelke

Variation of Samuel, Hebrew

"told by God"

Shmelke Origin and Meaning

The name Shmelke is a boy's name of Yiddish origin.

Shmelke is a masculine name of Yiddish origin, typically used as a diminutive form of Shmuel (Samuel). Within Hasidic Jewish communities, it gained recognition through Rabbi Shmelke of Nikolsburg (Shmuel Horowitz), an 18th-century Hasidic master and Torah scholar. The name carries warm, affectionate connotations through its diminutive suffix. While uncommon in mainstream society, Shmelke maintains cultural significance within traditional Jewish communities, particularly among those with Eastern European heritage. The name reflects the rich tradition of Yiddish diminutives that add a layer of warmth and familiarity to biblical names.

Famous People Named Shmelke

• Shmelke of Nikolsburg (born Shmuel Horowitz) Ukrainian Chasidic rabbi