Surname Makowsky - Meaning and Origin
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Makowsky: What does the surname Makowsky mean?
The last name Makowsky is a relatively uncommon surname of Slavic origin, likely stemming from the Polish and Russian given name Mako. It is thought to originate from the ancient word 'mak' which means 'poet' or 'song', suggesting someone of poetic or musical talents.
The name Makowsky may have been taken on by members of the nobility in Slavic countries to signify their higher social status or purpose, or it may have been adopted by non-nobles who wanted to appear as if they were connected to the nobility. Over time, the name spread across Europe and made its way to countries like the United States, where it is still quite uncommon.
In modern usage, the last name Makowsky can refer to anyone of Slavic descent, or with ties to Eastern Europe. Those with the last name may have ancestors who were important figures in history, such as Polish mathematician and astronomer Johannes Makowsky or graphic artist Stephen Makowsky. It could also denote someone of Slavic culture with strong ties to their ethnic heritage.
Order DNA origin analysisMakowsky: Where does the name Makowsky come from?
The last name Makowsky is most commonly found throughout Eastern Europe, especially in Belarus, Ukraine, and Russia. It is believed that this surname has Germanic and Ashkenazi Jewish origins.
The Makowsky name is quite popular in Belarus, where it ranks as the 9th most common surname. In this region, many families of this name trace their ancestry back to the area of Vitebsk. This family is known for their involvement in the First World War, with many of them being awarded a medal of honor for their service.
In Ukraine, the Makowsky surname is the 59th most popular, and many families trace their lineage back to the regions of Kiev and Odessa.
In Russia, the Makowsky name is the 71st most popular, and many dates back to areas such as Ryazan, Tula, Yaroslavl, and Tambov.
Outside of Eastern Europe, the Makowsky name can be found in countries such as the United States, Australia, and Canada. In the United States, many Makowskys settled in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and New York, while some also moved to follow their career opportunities to other states. In Australia, the surname can be found in Melbourne, Sydney, and the Gold Coast. In Canada, it is more common in Ontario and Quebec.
Variations of the surname Makowsky
The surname Makowsky is of Slavic origin derived from the root Mak, meaning 'son of'. It is most commonly found in countries like Poland, Ukraine, Belarus, and Russia.
Some spelling variants and surnames of the same origin include Makowski, Makovski, Makovsky, Makovskoy, Makouski, Makousky, Makouskiy, Makevski, Makaske, Makase, Makaskej, Makaskew, Makaskev, Makaskii, Makasev, Makciuski, Macousky, Makkowsky, Makeuski, Makucki, Macowski, Macouski, Machouski, Makuski, and Maccowski.
Makowsky is an occupational surname derived from the Slavic word for 'blacksmith', mak, and its derivatives. It is believed to have originally been borne by someone who was a blacksmith, but later began to act as a surname to distinguish members of the same family. The suffix -sky indicates an origin in East or Central Europe. The surname could also mean 'son of a blacksmith'.
In some cases, the surname Makowsky may have been adopted in place of an original Jewish surname. In the late nineteenth century, some Jews began changing their names in order to escape the social, legal, and economic discriminations faced by Jews in Europe at the time. The adoption of the surname Makowsky by some Jews could have been a result of such assimilation.
Makowsky is also found as a first name in some cases. Variants of the name Makowsky used as a first name include Mac, Mak, and Maksymilian.
Famous people with the name Makowsky
- Michael Kors (born Karl Anderson, Jr., known professionally as Michael Kors): American fashion designer
- Igor Makowsky: Ukrainian cyclist
- Reba Makowsky: American actress, model, and author
- Roman Makowsky: Polish gentleman educated in Vienna who served as a major-general in the Austro-Hungarian Army during World War I
- Ray Makowsky: American abstract painter
- Stuart Makowsky: American reality TV star
- Jacob Makowsky: Estonian lawyer, diplomat, and politician
- Stephen Makowsky: American comedian and actor
- Richie Makowsky: American professional wrestler
- Leonid Makovsky: Ukrainian film actor