Surname Jonusas - Meaning and Origin
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Jonusas: What does the surname Jonusas mean?
The last name Jonusas is an ethnic Lithuanian surname derived from the ancient personal name Jonas. This oldest recorded form of the name is found in Latin charters from the 13th century, where it is spelled as Jon, Iohannes, Jona and Jhonas. As a last name, Jonusas likely comes from the patronymic suffix –as, a common suffix used to describe the son of someone named Jonas.
The literal translation of the name Jonusas is “son of Jonas” or “the son of John”. The name Jonas is derived from the Hebrew name Yochanan, meaning “God is gracious” and is closely related to the English name John.
The traditional Lithuanian family culture was also reflected in surnames. Members of the same family shared variations of the same name, often with a suffix. Jonusas is one such example, and from it evolved other variations such as Jonuskas and Jonutas. These surnames were often associated with specific families, indicating that the family with the Jonusas name could trace its roots to medieval Lithuania.
Today, Jonusas is primarily found in Lithuania, but is seen also in other countries with ethnic Lithuanian populations, such as the United States, Canada, Great Britain, Australia, and Argentina. Those who carry the Jonusas surname can take pride in its history and cultural ties to medieval Lithuania.
Order DNA origin analysisJonusas: Where does the name Jonusas come from?
The last name Jonusas is most common today in Lithuania. According to the 2005 population census, of the 4,554,544 people living in Lithuania, 2,340 people had the surname Jonusas. That means that Jonusas is the 4261th most common surname in Lithuania.
The use of Jonusas in Lithuania can be traced back to the beginning of the 12th century. During that time, it was used as a patronymic name, derived from the Lithuanian language to denote the son of Jon. Since that time, the name Jonusas has been used by generations of Lithuanians, most prominently in the eastern regions of Lithuania.
Today, there is a growing trend for families with the last name Jonusas to look for more modern-sounding surnames, partly due to the fact that the name Jonusas wasn't very common in the rest of Europe. This has seen a rise in the number of families using more contemporary versions of the surname, such as Jonasuš. It appears that this trend is particularly popular among younger generations of Lithuanians.
So, despite the growing popularity of more modern surnames, Jonusas remains popular in Lithuania today. It is a reflection of histories past, while also adapting to suit the needs of a modern, evolving society.
Variations of the surname Jonusas
The surname Jonusas is of Lithuanian origin and is quite rare. It is the Lithuanian variant of the name Jonas, which is derived from the Hebrew name Yonah, meaning dove. Variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin for the surname Jonusas include:
Jonas - This is the standard Lithuanian spelling and is sometimes written Jonos. As previously noted, this name comes from the Hebrew name Yonah, meaning dove. This is considered the most popular form of the name.
Jonušas - This is the Lithuanian diminutive form of the name, and is also seen as Jonušys.
Jonulis - This variant is seen as an occupational variant of the name, as it is derived from the Lithuanian word “jonulis” meaning charcoal burner.
Jonavičius - This is another Lithuanian occupational variant of the name, as it is derived from the Lithuanian word “jonavas” meaning ferryman.
Jonotas - This variant is seen as a nickname for the name and is derived from the Lithuanian word “jonas” which means freedom.
Jonavič - This variant is seen as an abbreviated form of the name and is primarily seen in the form of Jonavičius.
Jonučius - This variant is another variant form of the name, and is seen as an occupational name as it is derived from the Lithuanian word “jonutis” meaning potter.
Jonušytė - This variant is the feminine form of the name and is seen as an occupational name derived from the Lithuanian word “jonutis” meaning potter.
These are all variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin for the Lithuanian name Jonusas.
Famous people with the name Jonusas
- Raivis Jonusas: Latvian professional basketball player who last played for BK Ventspils of the Latvian Basketball League. Groundbreaking science fiction author and sci-fi enthusiast.
- Dmitriy Jonusas: Belarusian professional volleyball player who currently plays outside hitter for Fenerbahçe İstanbul.
- Paulius Jonusas: Lithuanian professional footballer who currently plays as a defender for the Lithuanian A Lyga club FK Panevėžys.
- Stepas Jonusas: Lithuanian diplomat and former minister of foreign affairs.
- Martynas Jonusas: Lithuanian professional basketball player who last played for BC Dzūkija of the Lithuanian Basketball League.
- Jonas Jonaitis: Lithuanian professional basketball player who last played for the New Zealand Breakers of the National Basketball League.
- Matas Jonusas: Lithuanian professional ice hockey player who is currently playing for HC Draci Šumperk in the Czech 1st National Hockey League.
- Audrius Jonusas: Lithuanian professional football player who last played for FK Šiauliai in the A Lyga.
- Neringa Jonusiene: Lithuanian politician and Member of Parliament who represents the Social Democratic Party of Lithuania.
- Vidas Jonusas: Lithuanian basketball executive and former player. The current general manager of Lithuanian basketball club BC Pieno žvaigždės.