Kadlec

Kadlec is a Czech occupational surname derived from the word tkadlec, meaning "weaver". It ranks among the many European surnames that originated from common trades and crafts, reflecting the importance of textile production in medieval society. The feminine form is Kadlecová.

Etymology and Origin

The name Kadlec comes directly from the Czech noun tkadlec ("weaver"). The initial t was lost through a phonetic process known as apheresis, resulting in the form Kadlec. Surnames based on occupations were widespread across Europe; in Czech, similar occupational surnames include Kovář (smith), Tesař (carpenter), and Krejčí (tailor).

Notable Bearers

The surname has been borne by several notable individuals, particularly in sports. Among them are Czech footballers Michal Kadlec (born 1984), who played as a defender for clubs like Bayer Leverkusen and Fenerbahçe, and Václav Kadlec (born 1992), a forward. In ice hockey, notable Kadlecs include Arnold Kadlec (born 1959) and Drahomír Kadlec (born 1965), both Czech players who competed internationally. Andrej Kadlec (born 1996) is a Slovak footballer. The feminine Kadlecová appears in the names of field hockey player Jiřina Kadlecová (born 1948), figure skater Klára Kadlecová (born 1995), swimmer Marta Kadlecová (born 1944), and cyclist Monika Kadlecová (born 1990). Milan Kadlec (born 1974) is a Czech racing cyclist, while Milan Kadlec (1958–2001) was a Czech pentathlete. Robert Kadlec is an American civil servant. The surname also appears in the world of basketball with Vladimír Kadlec (born 1957), a German player.

• Meaning: Weaver
• Origin: Czech, from tkadlec
• Type: Occupational surname
• Usage: Czech Republic and Slovakia, with bearers internationally
• Feminine Form: Kadlecová