Surname Schpak - Meaning and Origin
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Schpak: What does the surname Schpak mean?
The last name Schpak is derived from the Germanic word "schap" which means "borderland". This name suggests the family was likely of peasant class, meaning a person who works or owns land, often below the gentry (higher nobility). The Schpak surname is derived from various areas of Central Europe, including Germany, Austria, and the Czech Republic.
The earliest known records of Schpak are dated to the 17th century when the first Schpak family is recorded as living in Germany. Since then, the name has spread throughout various parts of Europe and North America.
Schpak is an uncommon name in the United States today, with just over 2,500 people bearing the name. While there are some variations on the spelling of Schpak, the core meaning of the name remains the same.
The name Schpak can be symbolic for those having the surname. It is a reminder of a person's humble beginnings, its strong ties to history and working-class life and it is a representation of the strength and tenacity their family heritage has shown in their journey.
Order DNA origin analysisSchpak: Where does the name Schpak come from?
The last name Schpak is a relatively uncommon surname in most parts of the world today. It is mainly found in regions of Central and Eastern Europe, particularly in Belarus, Ukraine, and Russia. In Belarus, the Schpak surname is most commonly found in the Brest and Hrodna regions. It also appears in certain areas of Ukraine, primarily in Lviv, Volyn and Kyiv regions of the country. Finally, the surname is also present in Russia, though it is significantly rarer than in Belarus and Ukraine.
Most of those who bear the Schpak surname come from a Jewish or Ukrainian background. It is believed that the surname originates from the Jewish given name “Schep”, which means “justice”. It also has its roots in the word “Schpak”, an ancient Ukrainian term that describes a small bag or pouch. As with most surnames, its meaning has evolved over time due to cultural shifts and migration patterns.
Today, the Schpak surname is still retained by quite a few families in the areas mentioned above. It has also been adopted by descendants of those families who left their home countries for various reasons including emigration, war, and travel. These people can now be found in places such as Europe, North America, Australia, and South America. The Schpak name can also be seen in other parts of the world, albeit in a much rarer form.
Variations of the surname Schpak
The surname Schpak is most commonly of Central-Eastern European origin, with variants and other spellings including Schpach, Schpeck, Shpak, Shpek, Schpok and Schpoik.
A lesser known version of the surname is Szpak, which is also found among Central-European families. This variant is principally used in Poland and in Russian-influenced areas of Ukraine. Another variation of the surname is the German spelling Schpaeck, which is less common.
In Ukraine and the surrounding countries, the surname may have derived from the Slavic word 'szpak', meaning 'magpie'. This is also an animal known for its intelligence, optimism and communicability.
Surnames such Shpak, Shpeck and Szpak are encountered primarily in Central and Eastern Europe. They have also been carried by immigrants to the United States, to Britain and to Israel. The Schpak spelling is also commonly found among Jews who have immigrated to South America and Australia.
In areas of the former Soviet Union, where the Schpak spelling is known, it is believed to be derived from the word 'shpak', meaning marsh. It is speculated that the original bearers of the name may have lived in or near a marshy area. This explanation, however, is not backed by any tangible evidence.
Regardless of its origin, the Schpak surname is a distinctive one and its various spellings and variants are indicative of the many cultures and countries it has been associated with.
Famous people with the name Schpak
- Gary Sprak: American comedian, actor and screenwriter
- Klaus Sprak: German footballer
- Boudewijn Sprak: Dutch lawyer and politician
- Mette Sprak: Icelandic Politician
- Lutz Sprak: Austrian Olympic athlete
- Erik Schpak: German ice hockey player
- Michael Schpak: American artist
- Yehuda Schpak: Israeli sculptor
- Eric Schpak: American fantasy author
- Robert Schpak: Australian model and beauty pageant titleholder