Surname Przybila - Meaning and Origin
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Przybila: What does the surname Przybila mean?
The last name Przybila is a Polish surname stemming from the words ‘przy’ and ‘bila’ which can essentially be translated to ‘before’ and ‘to beat,’ creating the meaning of someone who ‘came before’ or ‘beat their rivals’ in a particular competition. It is considered to be a toponymic or habitational surname, indicating an origin from a particular place, though there is some speculation as to the exact origin of the name.
The most frequently accepted origin comes from the specific place on the map where individuals with the Przybila surname likely originated from. During the 16th century, the land of Przybily was located in the Kuyavia-Pomerania region of Poland, an area occupied by Teutonic Knights from the 13th century until their defeat in 1466. After the defeat, the land was transferred to the Przysiecki family. From then until the mid-nineteenth century, Przybily was repatriated back and forth between Poland and Germany several times.
Due to the various relocations of the Przybily region, it is difficult to trace the exact origin of its inhabitants and surname. It is believed that the Przybila surname was derived from the original last name of the inhabitants of Przybily. Though the original meaning of the surname is no longer obviously relevant, the Przybila surname remains an important part of Polish history.
Order DNA origin analysisPrzybila: Where does the name Przybila come from?
The last name Przybila is most commonly found in Poland, with a population of around 530,800 people bearing the surname today. While those who bear the surname today are mainly concentrated around the Silesian region, you'll also find the Przybila surname in various other countries, including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Germany.
The surname Przybila dates back to at least the 13th century, when it was used as an occupational surname for a tailor. The name Przybila often arose out of surrounding villages, such as Przybila and Przybila Siedlce; these settlements found in the Silesian region of Poland, were the source of the surname.
In the United States today, the surname Przybila is mostly found in the states of New York, Pennsylvania, Michigan, and California. The largest population of those bearing the surname in the United States is in New York, with around 9,800 people. This is followed by Pennsylvania, with around 5,400 people.
In Canada, Przybila is found in the provinces of Ontario and Alberta, with the most common locations being in the cities of Toronto, Edmonton, and Calgary.
The Przybila surname is most likely to be found among those of Germanic/Polish heritage, due to its origins in the Silesian region of Poland. While other areas where the surname is popular may have slightly different origins, the majority of those who bear the surname come from this region.
Variations of the surname Przybila
The surname Przybila is an old Slavonic name derived from the word ‘przybka’ which means ‘quick’. It is found throughout Europe, especially in Poland, Germany, Belarus and Slovakia. Variations on the surname include Przybyla, Przybylo, Przybycki, Przybilski, Przybilowski, Przybilarz and Przibila.
In Poland, Przybila is often spelled Przybyla and Przybylak. It is particularly common in the area of Lublin Voivodeship, where it is the forty-fourth most popular surname, according to Polish surname statistics.
In Germany, Przybila is variously spelled Przybelski, Przybilski and Przibilla. It is also found in Belarus, where it is spelled Pryzbil or Przybyl. It is also found in the Czech Republic and Slovakia, where it is spelled Przyblyl or Przybla.
The surname is also found in other areas of Europe, usually with a slight variation in spelling. In Austria, it is spelled Przyblyl, while in Italy it is Przibilla. In France, it is sometimes spelled Pryzbilla or Przybella. In Greece, it is thought to be derived from a Cretan surname Przybylos.
It is also found in the USA, primarily among Polish immigrants to Chicago. In the USA, Przybila is usually spelled Przybylak, Przybylski or Przybyla.
Famous people with the name Przybila
- Karl Przybila: a German football player and manager.
- Joseph Przybila: an artist who sells his works online through various art sites.
- Leonard Przybila: an American artist and photographer, specializing in nature photography.
- Christian Przybila: an Austrian sailor and former Paralympic rowing champion.
- Ralph Przybila: an American-born entrepreneur who is the founder of Przybila Ventures, an investment firm.
- Edward Przybila: a Polish-born American architect and designer, best known for his residential and commercial work.
- Jessica Przybila: a well-known Australian music artist.
- Monika Przybila: a Polish actress who has appeared in several popular films and television shows.
- Sebastian Przybila: a German soccer player who plays for the Bundesliga team 1. FC Düsseldorf.
- Gerry Przybila: an American magician who has appeared on several TV shows, including America's Got Talent.