An Etymological Dictionary of the German Language/Glatze

by Friedrich Kluge

Glatze, f., from the equiv. MidHG. glatz, ‘bald pate, bald spot, surface of the head’; Goth. *glatta- for pre-Teut. ghladhno, allied to glatt (pre-Teut. ghladho-); hence Glätte is lit. ‘smooth spot.’