Surname Behunek - Meaning and Origin
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Behunek: What does the surname Behunek mean?
The last name Behunek is of Czech origin and is derived from the old Slavic name Beha. The original pronunciation of the name was Beh-uh-nek and it is still today the most common pronunciation for this surname. The literal translation of the name is "son of Beha" and the surname is believed to have originated from the name of an ancestor of the original family.
The name Beha itself is Czech for beloved, so the modern interpretation for the name 'Behunek' is 'beloved of'. This interpretation likely originates from the Czech translation of the word "Beloved" and the suffix "-ek" that explains that the trait or phrase describes a son or a descendant of the original Beha. It is believed that by 1500, the Slavs had spread across Central Europe, leading to the growth and popularity of the names Beha and Behunek.
Behunek was primarily a surname of the wealthy in Central Europe and is found among old noble families.Historically, people who bore the surname Behunek intended it to denote family, belonging, and prosperity. Today, the name is carried by individuals from Austria, Czech Republic, Slovakia and other parts of Europe.
The name Behanek today continues to evoke the same feelings of family, belonging and prosperity as it did centuries ago. It is a name of wealth, pride, and a legacy of accomplishments that has passed down generations. It is a reminder of a time when every name had a story, and that story is still held close and treasured today.
Order DNA origin analysisBehunek: Where does the name Behunek come from?
The last name Behunek is believed to have originated in central Europe and its popularity has spread across the world. In Europe today, the name is mostly found in the Czech Republic and Slovakia, with a significant presence also in Austria.
The last name is comparably less common in the Americas where its presence is mostly confined to North America, especially in the United States and Canada. In the United States, its popularity is mostly concentrated in the Midwest, particularly in cities such as Detroit, Cleveland, Cincinnati, and Omaha. There is also a concentration of the name in New York and Philadelphia, as well as in Puerto Rico.
The last name is moderately common even in Northern Africa, particularly in Tunisia and Morocco. The surname can also be found in the Arab world, particularly in the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Kuwait, and Qatar.
The last name Behunek is also found in some parts of Eastern and Southern Africa, including Tanzania, Kenya, Botswana, and South Africa. Australia and New Zealand also have a significant number of people with this surname.
Overall, the last name Behunek is quite common in central and northern Europe, particularly in the Czech Republic and Slovakia, and is found in many parts of the world in small pockets.
Variations of the surname Behunek
The surname Behunek is an old Germanic name which has been handed down from generation to generation since it originated centuries ago. It is believed to have been derived from the German given name ‘Behu’, which itself is a short form of the given name ‘Behovald’. There are several variants and spellings of the surname, including Behunek, Bihunek, Beunek, Behunek, Bohnik and Bynik.
The most common variant of the surname in Europe is the spelling Behunek. This variant can be found mainly in Slovenia, Slovakia, Austria, Czech Republic, Poland, and Hungary. The Bihunek variation is found mainly in Slovakia, while the Beunek variant is most commonly found in Austria.
In addition, the surname Behunek also has some related surnames. These include Bohnik, a Czech name, and Bynik, a Polish given name. These surnames are related due to shared origins of Behunek’s Germanic forefathers, and can be found mainly in European countries.
Overall, the surname Behunek has been passed down through the generations and has numerous variations and spellings, which are mainly found in Europe. These variants include Behunek, Bihunek, Beunek, Bohnik and Bynik. There are also related surnames which share the origins of the Behunek surname.
Famous people with the name Behunek
- Mikaela Behunek: Mikaela Behunek is an American professional snowboarder and freestyle skier who has also competed in slopestyle events. She has placed highly in competitions such as the US Grand Prix and the X Games, and is a two-time overall US Snowboard Grand Prix Series champion.
- Kevin Behunek: Kevin Behunek is a former American soccer player who played in the Major Indoor Soccer League and American Professional Soccer League. He was named the Player of the Round in 1990 for the NCAA Division II championship.
- Clare Behunek: Clare Behunek is a professional dancer, choreographer, and jazz singer from Poland. Her frequently choreographed music and film video dance sequences for international pop stars have earned her multiple nominations and awards from TVP and TeleTydzień.
- Thomas Behunek: Thomas Behunek is a Slovakian professional ice-hockey player. He’s currently playing for the Czech Extraliga club HC Kometa Brno.
- Brian Behunek: Brian Behunek is an American artist and sculptor based in Hawaii. He has received numerous awards for his sculptures and his work has been featured in galleries such as the Museum of Modern Art in New York.