Surname Kovats - Meaning and Origin
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Kovats: What does the surname Kovats mean?
The last name Kovats is a Hungarian surname that is derived from the Hungarian word for ‘shepherd’, ‘kovács’. Many variations of the surname exist, such as Kovac, Kovack, Kowacz, Kowats, and Kowat.
The surname was likely so popular among Hungarians because in the past, shepherding was a very prominent profession in Central and Eastern Europe, and as such, it’s not uncommon to find many families with the same last name.
Kovats is also a popular surname among various ethnic groups within Romania, Croatia, and Serbia. It has been suggested that the surname is derived from the Slavic word ‘kolo’, which means ‘circle’ or ‘spinning wheel’, and was given to a family who may have been involved in the production or spinning of yarn.
In recent times, the surname is most prominently spread throughout Hungary and the United States, where it is often encountered amongst Hungarian-Americans. People with this surname are known for their strong work ethic and dedication to their families and communities.
Kovats is a unique and attractive last name, a reminder of a profession that was once important in the past. It’s a surname that is still admired by many, and which still continues to be passed down from generation to generation.
Order DNA origin analysisKovats: Where does the name Kovats come from?
The last name Kovats is most commonly found in Central and Eastern Europe, specifically countries in the Danubian Basin and Central Europe. It is found in large numbers in Hungary, where it is particularly common in the north and east. Other countries with significant populations of Kovats include Slovakia, Romania, Serbia, and Croatia. Smaller numbers of Kovats are also found in Austria, the Czech Republic, and Slovenia, as well as in countries around the world with populations of people of Central and Eastern European heritage.
The last name Kovats is derived from the Hungarian word "kovács", meaning "smith". The Kovats were traditionally blacksmiths in Hungary, meaning that the name became associated with the trade. The relative popularity of the name in certain parts of Central and Eastern Europe is likely related to the prevalence of the profession in those countries.
Today, Kovats remains a common family name throughout the region where it is most popular. It is not as prominent as it once was, as many people have adopted the surnames of their spouse or had their own name changed to something more easily pronounced. Nevertheless, it is a recognizable name in many parts of the world, and evidence of Central and Eastern European heritage in many places.
Variations of the surname Kovats
The surname Kovats has several different variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. Common variants include the spellings "Kovac" and "Kovacs," as well as the rarely used "Kovack." All these spellings are derived from the East Slavic root kovats, denoting a particular profession or status associated to a Schwartz (blacksmith) or a Forge.
Another spelling, "Kovatch," is derived from the same root and could possibly have emerged as an adaptation of the German or Yiddish versions "Koffach" or "Koffatsch," but it is generally accepted to have Slovak origins.
Other variants include "Kovacz," "Covac," "Covaciu," "Covacev," "Kovacev," "Kovacic," and "Covats." The Croatian versions, "Kovacević" and "Kovačević," also exist.
In Hungary, "Kovács" is usually written as "Kovácsi" due to the different linguistic structure and is often found written as "Czovacse." The Ukrainian version of the surname usually appears as "Kovacshenko."
Finally, one could also encounter the name "Cobatz" or "Kobatz," which are related to the various spellings of Kovats as both words derive from the German root for "smith."
Famous people with the name Kovats
- Gusztáv Kováts: Hungarian former Olympic wrestler
- Balazs Kováts: Romanian handball player
- Zoltán Kováts: Hungarian footballer
- Miklós Kováts: Hungarian former Olympic swimmer
- Péter Kováts: Hungarian former ice hockey player
- Sándor Kováts: Hungarian former footballer
- László Kováts: Hungarian football coach and former player
- Ildikó Kováts: Hungarian Olympic sports shooter
- Csilla Kováts: Hungarian Paralympian table tennis player
- Zsolt Kováts: Hungarian Olympic water polo player
- István Kováts: Romanian-Hungarian politician
- Tibor Kováts: Hungarian footballer and coach
- János Kováts: Hungarian former Olympic skier
- Pál Kováts: Hungarian footballer and manager
- Zoltán Kováts: Hungarian environmental expert
- Károly Kováts: Hungarian former Olympic wrestler
- Lajos Kováts: Hungarian basketball coach