Surname Navratilova - Meaning and Origin

Navratilova: What does the surname Navratilova mean?

The last name Navratilova is of Czech origin, and is derived from the name 'Navratil'. It is believed to have arisen from the older Czech word 'navrat', which means 'turnaround'.

Navratilova is a patronymic surname, indicating that it's a name deriving from the father's first name and passed onto the children. The name commonly appears as 'Navratil' or 'Navratilova' and is found mainly in the Czech Republic and Slovakia.

The surname can be found in various forms throughout the region, such as Navrátil, Navrátilová, Navratsil, Navratil, and Navratilova. It's also sometimes shortened to the form Navrat.

The surname is still commonly seen today, mainly because its association with the world-famous Czech tennis player, Martina Navratilova. She was born in the Czech Republic and became an international tennis star in the late 1960s, winning multiple Grand Slam titles.

Navratilova remains an iconic figure in tennis, and her name will forever be remembered thanks to her incredible career and for her advocacy for LGBTQ rights. The surname is a fitting reminder of her remarkable story and legacy.

Navratilova: Where does the name Navratilova come from?

The last name Navratilova is of Czech origin and is not particularly common today, though it can still be found amongst Czech-speaking populations in Europe. The name is derived from the Czech words “navřatit” (to weave) and “lov” (forest). It was widely used as a family name in the Czech lands during the 17th and 18th centuries. Today, it is still found in small numbers in the Czech Republic, as well as neighbouring countries, such as Slovakia, Germany, Austria, and Poland.

The name is most associated with the American-Czech professional tennis player, Martina Navratilova, who gained international fame in the 1970s and 80s for her impressive victories in singles and doubles. Her success in the sport made the name Navratilova a household name across the globe.

Though it is not especially common, the last name Navratilova can still be found amongst Czech populations in the Czech Republic and neighbouring countries. It is also seen in the United States, Canada, Australia, as well as other countries with large Polish or Czech-speaking populations.

Variations of the surname Navratilova

The surname Navratilova is a Slavic-origin surname with origins in Czech, Slovak, and other Slavic languages. It is a combination of two words, navrat (return) and il (son) and translates roughly to “son of return.”

This surname has a variety of different spellings and variants depending on the language and area of origin. In Czech, the surname is spelled Navrátilová, while in Slovak it is spelled Navrátilkova and its plural form Navrátilkove. The Polish version is Navratilów and Navratilówna. In Ukraine, the spelling is Navratiliv, while in other parts of Europe it might be Navratiloff, Navarathilava, Natrátil, or Navratil.

Variations on the name are also seen in surname forms such as Navratil-Bosc or Navratil-Vlk. This surname has a variety of associated surnames, including the Czech names Navratilovec, Navratilkovec, Novotny, and Novotne. In Polish, the related surname syntax includes Navratilowicz, Navratilowiczowa, Navratiliwski, and Navratilik.

In some cases, recorded spellings of variants of the surname Navratilova have been found with different endings such as “-ic” or “-ec”. Examples of these include Navratilovic, Navratilovec, Navratilicek, Navratilovici, and Navratilec. These alternate forms are likely the result of different dialects or due to variations in given names in the family tree.

Overall, the surname Navratilova has been known to exist in a variety of different spellings and variants, depending on the language and region of origin. It is also seen as related to other surnames, such as Navratilovec and Navratilowicz, as well as in various forms ending in “-ic” or “-ec.”

Famous people with the name Navratilova

• Martina Navratilova: Martina Navratilova is an iconic retired Czech-American professional tennis player. She is considered one of the greatest players of all time and is best known for her doubles and singles successes. Her singles titles include nine Wimbledon championships and a record-breaking 167 professional singles titles.
• Karel Navratil: Karel Navratil is known for his work as a vice-president of the Czech Athletic Federation. He has earned recognition for his role in creating the junior tennis scheme, which brought tennis to the masses and helped to foster the successes that Navratilova achieved.
• Eva Navratilova: Eva Navratilova is a professional photographer specializing in architecture and gardens. She has earned recognition for her work in landscape design and photography.
• Richard Navratil: Richard Navratil is a former professional Czechoslovak rally driver who is best known for winning the 1972 Czechoslovak Rally Championship.
• Karel Navratil Jr.: Karel Navratil Jr. is an award-winning cyclist who has competed both domestically and internationally in several disciplines including road and mountain biking.
• Ludvik Navratil: Ludvik Navratil is an award-winning composer and violist. He has earned recognition for his modern compositions which utilize a wide range of musical devices.

Other surnames

Navratil