Surname Prokopf - Meaning and Origin
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Prokopf: What does the surname Prokopf mean?
The last name Prokopf is of Germanic origin, dating back to the medieval times. The meaning and etymology of the name is derived from an old German given name, "Procopius". The first documented usage of the name can be found in ancient German records in the year 1250.
The name Prokopf literally means "previous cop," as the root of Procopius derives from the Latin words for "previous" or "ahead" and "cop" which meant "overseer" in medieval times. The name therefore implies that the person who bore it once held a position of power or authority.
The surname Prokopf is still common today, especially in Germany, Austria and the Czech Republic. It has also been found in the United States of America, Canada and the United Kingdom. Variants of the name Prokopf can include Prockopf, Prokkopf, Prackop, Prackopp and Prockopp.
Today, the name serves as a testament to the legacy of strength, power, and authority that a long-standing family has achieved. It also carries a sense of respect associated with it, as it is still commonly found today.
Order DNA origin analysisProkopf: Where does the name Prokopf come from?
The surname Prokopf is most commonly found in Central and Eastern Europe. Specifically, people bearing this surname are most concentrated in Germany, Austria, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia.
In Germany, the name Prokopf can be found in the states of Bavaria, Saxony, Hamburg, Mecklenburg-West Pomerania, Baden-Wurttemberg, and Lower Saxony. In Austria, it can be found in Vienna, Styria, Salzburg, Vorarlberg, and Carinthia. In the Czech Republic, it can be found in Bohemia and Moravia. In Slovakia, it can be found mostly along the border between Slovakia and the Czech Republic, as well as in Bratislava.
The surname Prokopf is of German origin and is derived from the personal name "Procopius" (or occasionally "Prokop"), which is derived from the Late Latin "procopius" or "procop" ("pro", meaning "for" and "kop", meaning "head"). Thus, it can be translated to mean "leader" or "chief". It is suggested that this name was taken on by families living in a small German village.
In terms of distribution across Europe, the last name Prokopf is closely associated with Central and Eastern Europe. This could be a result of migration patterns which saw families bearing this name relocate from German and Austria to Czech Republic and Slovakia. Today, the name is still widely distributed in this region, although it can also be found in other parts of the world, such as the United States.
Variations of the surname Prokopf
Prokopf is a Germanic surname. It is derived from the old German phrase 'brok' meaning 'danger', and 'hof' meaning 'court' or 'farm'. It is an occupational name, given to someone who was a farmer who kept a watchful eye for danger on the farm.
The variants and spellings of the Prokopf surname includes Procopf, Prokoff, Prokorf, Prockopf, Prokopff, Prokoph, Prokofff, Prokopp, and Prokoupf.
Although it is unclear if Prokopf and Procopf are connected, they both can be traced back to a similar origin. Prokopf is believed to have been used by the Jewish community prior to WWII, whereas Procopf is more commonly used by people of Slavic descent, primarily in Slovakia and the Czech Republic.
Prokopf can also be used as a first name, as it is the Austro-Bavarian variant of the name Prokopios. The surname 'Prokopios' originates from the Greek prosōpon meaning 'face' or 'countenance'. It is traditionally linked to the word 'prosopagnosia', which translates to 'facial blindness'.
Surnames of the same origin as Prokopf include Prokopec, Prokopeck, Prokup, Prokupich, and Prokop. These names originated from regions including Croatia, Ukraine, and Slovakia and were derived from words such as ‘prop’ (advance or gain) or ‘prokop’ (thicket or countryside path).
Prokopf is a unique name, which has evolved over time to mean something different to different communities. It has particular significance in the Jewish and Slavic communities, where it is rich with history and meaning.
Famous people with the name Prokopf
- Jürgen Prokopf: A German football manager and former player.
- Dorothea Prokopf: A German actress, most notably known in the television series ’The Spoils of Poynton’.
- Nicholas Prokopf: An American actor, in productions such as ‘Less Than Zero’ and more recently in ‘Isolation’.
- Winfried Prokopf: A German sculptor and master of stonemasonry, known for his large-scale heroic sculptures.
- Charlotte Prokopf: A German journalist and writer, formerly contributing to Die Welt.
- Hans Prokopf: A Swiss film and television actor, most notably known as the villain in ‘A Light in the Price’.
- Anja Prokopf: A German documentary film producer and director, specializing in human rights issues and global development.
- Kris Prokopf: A Swiss musician and recording artist, and founding member of the electro-pop band Triumphs Won.
- Luisa Prokopf: An Austrian actress of stage, film, and television, most notably known for her roles in ‘Iris the Movie’ and ‘Sisters of the Moon’.
- Jean Prokopf: A French painter, engraver and illustrator, known for his landscapes and figures.