Surname Bednarik - Meaning and Origin
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Bednarik: What does the surname Bednarik mean?
The last name Bednarik is an occupational surname originating from Central Europe which means "axe man". It is derived from the Czech and Slovak "bednar" meaning "axe maker" or "axe sharpener". The Bednarik family trace their roots back to Slovakia, where axe-making was a popular trade.
A Bednarik is traditionally someone who is a skilled craftsman and carpenter in carpentry work and wood shaping. These skills may include turning, building, reshaping and tool-making. In central Europe, many Bednariks still use Axe making as their primary source of income.
The Bednarik family is also known for a long line of world-renowned wood carvers and sculptors. Some have even been commissioned to create some of the most renowned statues in the world. This also includes the famous statue of St. John of Nepomuk at Charles Bridge in Prague.
The Bednarik family in the late 20th century began to move from Central Europe to other areas in search of a better life. This move saw the Bednarik family spread throughout Europe and America. It is said that their skill and craftsmanship helped them become successful in whatever they did.
With a name as hardworking and as successful as Bednarik, it's no wonder that the Bednarik family has lived on and continued to be successful over the centuries.
Order DNA origin analysisBednarik: Where does the name Bednarik come from?
The last name Bednarik is most commonly found in the central European countries of Slovakia, Hungary, and the Czech Republic. According to genealogical data, Bednarik is a relatively uncommon surname with only around 2,300 people currently bearing the name.
The Slovak Republic is the most likely origin of the surname due to its location and prevalence. The first known use of the name dates back to 1236 when a man by the name of Jan Bednarik was listed in a register of the archbishops of Olomouc. Since then, the family has spread throughout Central Europe and, to a lesser extent, beyond.
It is not uncommon to find members of the Bednarik family living in the United States, particularly in cities with large Polish or Czech populations. This is likely due to immigration to the U.S. in the early 19th century as well as more recently following the fall of the Iron Curtain.
In Slovakia, Hungary, and the Czech Republic today, the Bednarik name continues to be relatively uncommon. It is found most densely in the southern regions of Slovakia, particularly in the Orava Valley. It is also found commonly in northwest Hungary, stretching to the border with Slovakia, and less so in Moravia, Czechia.
Variations of the surname Bednarik
The surname Bednarik is a variation of the surname Bednar which is of Slavic origin, meaning ‘axe-smith’. It is the Czech form of the Polish surname ‘Bednarski’. Other variant spellings of this surname include Bednarek, Bednarik, Bednarec, Bednarikova, Bednarova, Bednarz, Bednarzewski, Bednarzewska, Bednarzyk, and Bednarski.
The origin of the surname Bednar is traced to the Bednar family who owned estates in the Czech Republic in the 14th century. The Bednar name is associated with the ancient noble Romanov family.
In the United States, the Anglo-American-Czech version of the Bednar surname is seen as Bednarik. It is derived from the Germanic ‘bed-naar’ meaning ‘axe-smith’.
The Slovak spelling is Bednár, and is derived from the Biblical term ‘bednár’ meaning ‘basket-maker’. People with the Bednár surname can be found in Slovakia, Slovenia, and in the tartar and Gypsy communities of Hungary.
Austrian variants include Bednar, Bedner, Pednar, and Bednaritsch. People bearing the Bednaritsch surname can trace their heritage back to what was once the Austrian Empire.
Finally, the German spelling of Bednarik is Badnemann. This name is often found in Germany as well as in Germany’s neighboring countries.
Famous people with the name Bednarik
- Chuck Bednarik: Chuck Bednarik is a former American football player, who played both offensive and defensive positions for the Philadelphia Eagles of the National Football League (NFL). He was the last player to play every minute of an entire pro football game and is the only player to be enshrined in both the Pro Football Hall of Fame and the College Football Hall of Fame.
- Matt Bednarik: Matt Bednarik is an American singer-songwriter from the Hudson Valley of New York. He released his debut EP in 2014 and his full-length album in 2016. He has toured with some of the biggest names in pop such as One Republic and Marianne Faithful.
- Tom Bednarik: Tom Bednarik is an American race car driver from Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania. He began his career as a drag racer before moving to oval track racing, competing in the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series and ARCA Menards Series. He was the 2014 winner of the Franklin Bakers 500 NASCAR Late Model race.
- Andrew Bednarik: Andrew Bednarik is an American artist and sculptor. He is known for his large metal and bronze sculptures, which often depict animals or nature scenes. His work has been exhibited in popular venues such as the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art and The Whitney Museum of American Art.
- Zuzana Bednarik: Zuzana Bednarik is a former Olympic swimmer from Slovakia. She competed in the 1996 and 2000 Olympic games and was a member of several gold medal teams at the FINA World Championships. She retired from swimming in 2003 to pursue a career in business.