Surname Levko - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'L'
Levko: What does the surname Levko mean?
The last name Levko is a Slavic surname, typically of Ukrainian and Polish origin. It is believed to be derived from several Slavic words meaning “belonging to the people,” “of the people,” or “son of the people.” This likely originates from the Levites, who served as priests in the ancient kingdom of Israel. The surname was most likely adopted by families looking to show their religious and national heritage.
Today, there are probably thousands of individuals around the world who bear the Levko surname. Although the precise meaning of Levko is not definitively known, it generally indicates that someone is of Slavic descent with roots in a particular region. It can also point to a connection with the Levite priesthood, and may suggest that someone’s ancestors had a spiritual background.
The Levko surname is an interesting and unique part of people’s family histories. By decoding its place of origin and meaning, one can gain greater perspective and appreciation of his or her family’s heritage. It can help to connect individuals to their past, giving them greater insight into their personal identity and the rich history of their ancestors.
Order DNA origin analysisLevko: Where does the name Levko come from?
The last name Levko is most prominent in Ukraine, where it is the 346th most popular surname in the country. Its rarity in other countries suggests it is of Slavic origin, with the majority of its bearers living in Eastern Europe.
In Ukraine, the surname Levko is generally considered to be Ukrainian, with some small numbers of Russians and Belarusians also bearing the name. In Ukraine, Levko is most common in the western half of the country, particularly along the Carpathian Mountains and bordering countries. It is rarely found in the central and eastern parts of Ukraine, where other more numerous surnames are typically found.
In the United States, the last name Levko is rather rare. The 2000 US Census found only 7 people bearing the surname, all of whom were living in Pennsylvania. Most of the bearers of the name were either immigrants or the offspring of immigrants from Eastern Europe.
Outside of Ukraine and the United States, Levko is not a very common name. Among nations in the European Union, for example, figures from the 2000 census show only a few dozen bearers of the name. The same is true in Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
In general, the last name Levko is most commonly found in Ukraine and areas of Eastern Europe with strong ties to the region. The comparatively small numbers of bearers outside of these areas likely signify a migration of the name over the last several centuries.
Variations of the surname Levko
The surname Levko is derived from the given name Levka and is most commonly found amongst the Slavic nations. An alternate spelling is Levyko. Variations of the surname include Levyka, Lewko, Lewka, Lewik, Lewick, Lwowik, Lewicky, Lwowicky, Lovka, Lavka, Levchenko, Levchenka, Levchka and Levchuk.
Surname variants based on different regional dialects include Leuko, Leveko, Levke, Lavko, Hokke, Lowko, Luwo, Levka, Lewko, Lewok, Lewik, Lewig, Lewikin, Lewinsky, Lewson, Lewinson, Lewschenko, Lewishchenko, Lewon, Levonenko, Levinsky, Levson, Levinson, Levschenko, Lewuiko, Levishchenko and Lveiko.
In some regions, Levko has developed into a patronymic surname—a surname derived from the name of one's father or ancestor. In this case, the surname might be Levykoivich, Levykovich, Levkovich, Lewkovich, Levkin, Lewkin, Levtevich, Levtso, Lewtsov, Levtsevich, Lwevka, Lewonchik or Lewonkin.
Throughout its many variants, the surname Levko is believed to have originated from the ancient Cossack name "Lav," which refers to the strong and courageous. Because of the surname's Slavic roots, it is commonly linked to unique stories in Slavic folklore and culture. According to ancient tradition, bearers of the surname are believed to be natural born warriors, border guards and proud leaders of their communities.
Famous people with the name Levko
- Sergey Levko: Belarusian football player who plays for Shakhtyor Soligorsk.
- Sofia Levko: Ukrainian singer and composer.
- Ivan Levko: Ukrainian writer, director and actor.
- Oleg Levko: Ukrainian footballer who last played for FC Lviv.
- Yuri Levko: Ukrainian basketball player who most recently played for BC Khimik Yuzhne.
- Diana Levko: Ukrainian singer and composer.
- Borislav Levko: Ukrainian footballer who last played for FC Vorskla Poltava.
- Kostyantyn Levko: Ukrainian footballer who last played for FC Karpaty Lviv.
- Levko Kivalov: Ukrainian politician, former Verkhovna Rada member, and leader of the Memory Party of Ukraine.
- Alexander Levko: Belarusian footballer who plays for FC Dnepr Mogilev.