Surname Sokol - Meaning and Origin
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Sokol: What does the surname Sokol mean?
The surname Sokol is a Slavic toponymic name derived from the word "sokół" which means "falcon" in Polish. This name has a long and storied history, dating back to medieval times when using the name Sokol was much more common. In the past, the name was associated with nobility and positive connotations, as falcons were thought to be high-ranking animals and owners of falcons were respected in society.
The surname is most prominent in Slavic countries, particularly in Poland and Ukraine. Today the name continues to be commonly used in those countries and across Eastern Europe.
The name Sokol carries a variety of meanings and symbolism. As mentioned, it is associated with falcons and nobility, as well as bravery, strength, integrity, and a sense of soaring ambition. Sokols are often depicted as outgoing, hard-working individuals and determined to reach their goals.
The surname Sokol is also found in cultures around the world, with variants such as Sokolsky, Sokoll, Sokoloff, Sokolove, Sokolov, and Sokoli appearing in many places.
In recent times, it has become increasingly popular for individuals to use the name Sokol to represent their heritage or even to set themselves apart. It is a name that has proven to be a powerful source of pride and belonging over centuries.
Order DNA origin analysisSokol: Where does the name Sokol come from?
The surname Sokol which means “falcon” in Russian is a relatively common Slavic surname. It is most commonly found amongst people living in Russia, Belarus, and Ukraine. The name is also quite popular in Poland and the Czech Republic.
The rural landscape aligned with the poverty of the Great Depression sparked and exodus of Sokols and other similar surname bearers from Eastern Europe. This diaspora was mostly bound for the United States, where the Sokol clan is found primarily within the northeastern and midwestern states such as New York, Pennsylvania, and Michigan.
The Sokol surname is also a common among Slovenians living in the United States. In fact, many Slovenian-Americans proudly honor their family heritage by using the surname in official titles such as Sokol Hall or Sokol Park, festivals, and sports teams.
The popularity of the name also reaches other countries around the world such as Canada, Australia as well as other parts of Europe, such as Germany. In the UK, as well as other parts of Europe, Sokol is a less common variant of the name, appearing as Szokol, Szokoll, Szokoly and Sokolick,
In the United States today, the Sokol surname is steadily growing in popularity, and it continues to be one of the few Slavic surnames with a substantial presence in the country.
Variations of the surname Sokol
The surname Sokol is commonly found throughout Slavic countries and East-Central Europe. It derives from the Old Slavic word "sokol," which means “falcon.” The surname is often spelled Sokol or Sokole, but can also be found spelled as Sokoł, Sokołow, Sokół and Sokołowski in Polish, with Sokolov in Russian and Sokolovich in Ukrainian. Variations of the surname include Zokol in Slovenian, Sokolić in Croatian and Šokol in Slovene .
The surname made its way to America during the influx of Eastern European immigration in the late 19th century. Variations of the surname's spelling in the United States include Sokoll, Sokal and Sokold.
Traditionally a patronymic, the surname Sokol also often appears with other endings and prefixes including -ević, -ovich, -ski, -sky, -ska, -ka, -ov, -ev and -ow. These suffixes and prefixes denote descent from a male ancestor with the surname Sokol, and are particularly common in countries such as Serbia and Croatia.
In Belarus, the surname is often transliterated as Sakal or Sokal. Additionally, some families with the surname Sokol may have historically adopted an analogous surname Sokorai in Austria and Hungary.
The surname itself is most likely of Slavic origin, and is likely derived from the Old Slavic word sokol, which translates to “falcon”. The name was likely adopted by someone who had a connection to hunting birds, or a resemblance to the bird.
Famous people with the name Sokol
- Jasmina Sokol, Serbian tennis player
- Steve Sokol, American musician, songwriter and music producer
- Alexander Sokol, German field hockey player
- Marina Sokol, Russian chess grandmaster
- David Sokol, American businessman and philanthropist
- Joe Sokol, American composer
- Patrick Sokol, American Olympic fencer
- Jessica Sokol, American mixed martial artist
- Alex Sokol, American professional golfer
- John Sokol, American politician
- Ryan Sokol, American filmmaker
- Jocko Sokol, ice hockey player
- Nicole Sokol, French pole vaulter
- Stepan Sokol, Belarusian footballer
- Nikki Sokol, American artist
- Michael Sokol, British make-up artist
- Jaclyn Sokol, Austrian kart racing driver
- Helge Sokol, Austrian psychiatrist
- Evelyn Sokol, Argentine actress
- John Sokol, insurance executive