Surname Bortnik - Meaning and Origin
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Bortnik: What does the surname Bortnik mean?
The last name Bortnik is a Jewish name of Russian origin, typically spelled "Bortnik" or "Bortnick". It is derived from the Polish word bortnik, meaning a leather worker who makes horse harnesses. In some cases, the name may also be derived from the Middle High German börte, meaning a military helmet.
The Bortnik family are believed to have lived in east Poland and Ukraine. In the early 1800s, Russian czar Alexander I imposed conscription on young Jewish men of the region. For those Bortnik men who had been conscripted, the name Bortnik became associated with military service and patriotism, and the name began to become widely adopted by Jewish families living in this part of the world.
In the early 20th century, members of the Bortnik family began immigrating to the United States in search of better opportunities. Similarly, Bortniks living in Poland and Ukraine were among the many who desperately sought refuge from the Nazi regime during and after World War II.
Today, the Bortnik name is found around the world, with members of the Bortnik family living in many different countries. Although the original meaning of the name has been forgotten over time, the Bortnik family remains proud of its heritage and fond of the name’s association with patriotism and courage.
Order DNA origin analysisBortnik: Where does the name Bortnik come from?
The last name Bortnik is most commonly found in Eastern Europe, especially among those of Jewish ancestry. Variants of the surname include Bortnikoff, Bortnick, and Bortnic.
The name appears to have its roots in Byelorussian lands, according to records dating back to the first millennium. It is sometimes speculated that the name is derived from the Russian word “bort”, meaning battle. This would indicate that the original holders of the surname were warriors.
Jewish historians have written about the Bortnik name, noting it was common in contemporary Polish and Ukrainian lands during the 18th and 19th centuries. Bortnik is a recognized Jewish surname in those regions.
More recently, records show today the surname is common throughout most of eastern Europe including Latvia, Lithuania, Ukraine, Poland, Belarus, Russia, Moldova, Czechia, Romania, and Slovakia. It is the 113th most common surname in Belarus, the 381st most common surname in Ukraine, and the 303rd most common surname in Lithuania.
It is also a relatively commonly used Jewish name in the United States and Canada. Records in the United States show it is the 3,099th most common surname, and the 1,296th most common surname among people of Jewish ancestry. In Canada, it ranks as the 308th most common surname, and the 104th most common surname among people of Jewish heritage.
Variations of the surname Bortnik
The surname Bortnik has multiple variants, spellings, and surnames from different origins around the world. The most common spelling of the surname is Bortnik, which originated in Ukraine and Russia. In Ukraine, the surname is spelled Бортник and in Russia the surname is spelled Бортник. Other variant spellings include Bortnick, Bortnyk, Bortnek, and Bortnyeck.
The surname Bortnik is also quite common in Germany, with origins in Czech Republic, Hungary, and Slovakia. The surname is spelled Bortnik in Germany, Borodnik in Czech Republic, Borodnjk in Hungary, and Bardnyk or Bortnyk in Slovakia.
In Poland, the surname has multiple spelling variants, including Bortnik, Bortnjk, Bortenik, Bortnyk, Borodnyk, or Bortenek. The surname is also present in Belarus, where it is spelled Bortnik.
In the United States, the surname Bortnik is also quite common. Various alternate spellings and surnames with similar origins found in the US are Bortnek, Bortnick, Bartnik, and Bortonik.
In the United Kingdom, the spelling of the surname Bortnik is less common, but there are still some individuals with the surname. Alternate spellings or surnames with similar origins are Birtonick, Bortenick, and Bortynek.
Overall, the surname Bortnik has a diverse array of spelling variants and surnames of similar origin across the world. Each spelling offers insight into the various origins of the surname and can help individuals trace their ancestry and genealogy.
Famous people with the name Bortnik
- Joel Bortnik: American politician and business executive
- Oleg Bortnik: Ukrainian chess Grandmaster
- Vadym Bortnik: Ukrainian pairs skater
- Eli Bortnik: Israeli serial entrepreneur and venture capitalist
- Sam Bortnik: American soccer player
- Lorien Bortnik: Canadian women’s national soccer team player
- Leticia Bortnik: Argentine actress
- Sergej Bortnik: Austrian family historian
- Driton Bortnik: Yugoslavian basketball player
- Andy Bortnik: American songwriter and television producer