Surname Szynkarek - Meaning and Origin
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Szynkarek: What does the surname Szynkarek mean?
The last name Szynkarek is of Polish origin, most commonly found in the South Pomeranian region of Poland. The surname is occupational in nature, and derived from the term “Szynkarz” meaning "merchant” or “tavern keeper".
The Szynkarek surname first appeared in written records over 400 years ago, appearing in the Catholic parish records in 1614, in the documents of Poznan. It originated as a nickname for someone who kept a tavern or served alcoholic beverages, likely in the country areas of Poland. A few generations later, the name spread to smaller towns and villages and also to other provinces in the country.
In some cases, the Szynkarek surname may also be derived from patronymic origins, meaning it has evolved from a given name such as Szymkarek, the more popularized variant of Szynkarek. Szymon was a popular male name in Poland and those who bore this name were sometimes referred to as Szymkarek.
Szynkarek family members have continued to explore the world by emigrating to multiple countries such as the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom and Australia.
The Szynkarek surname is now held by the descendants of that rural and small town population, born in both Poland and its diaspora. It is a name that signifies the strong cultural roots of its origin and the remarkable accomplishments of its family line.
Order DNA origin analysisSzynkarek: Where does the name Szynkarek come from?
The last name Szynkarek is most commonly associated with people of Polish ancestry, although it can be found in other countries as well. In Poland, Szynkarek is most commonly found in the northwest region, including in the Masovian, Greater Poland and Kuyavian-Pomeranian provinces. Other areas where people with the last name Szynkarek reside include the Czech Republic, Ukraine, Belarus, Latvia and Lithuania.
In Poland, the family name Szynkarek is most common in the former Polish-German borderlands – specifically in the regions of what is today southwestern Poland and eastern Germany, which were German-speaking regions before World War II – indicating that the family may have once had German heritage.
In the United States, Szynkarek is a very rare name, with only a few known families bearing this last name. A few of the larger Szynkarek families in the United States are located in Texas, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Florida, and Michigan. In 2019, Ancestry.com listed Szynkarek as the 15,103rd most-common last name in United States, indicating that the name is still relatively rare in the country.
In the United Kingdom and Canada, the family name is also rare, with only a few families in each country. With the exception of Germany – where there are more Szynkareks than in any other non-Polish country – Szynkarek is much less common in other parts of Europe and the world.
Variations of the surname Szynkarek
Szynkarek is a Polish and Lithuanian surname that has roots in the Middle Ages. Many variants and spellings of this surname exist. The most common forms include Szynkiewicz, Szynkiewicz-Szynkarek, Szynkocki, Zinkewicz and Zinkevich. The last two variants are used mostly in Belarus.
The Szynkiewicz form is the most common Polish spelling of the name. It is derived from the Polish word 'szynka' which means ham. This part of the surname likely originated from the nickname of an ancestor who was a ham farmer or seller.
The Szynkiewicz-Szynkarek spelling is an extended version which combines two surnames - Szynkiewicz and Szynkarek. It is the most common surname in Lithuania and could have started with the marriage of two individuals who had different last names.
The Szynkocki variant is derived from the ancient Polish word 'szynka' which means 'sausage'. This version of the surname was adopted by people who made sausages for a living or by a local sausage maker.
The Zinkewicz and Zinkevich spellings originate from the Polish words 'żinka' or 'żynka', which mean 'harness'. This version of the surname was adopted by people who worked with horses or carts and who used leather harnesses to attach the animals or vehicles.
Regardless of the spelling, Szynkarek is a surname with a long history that has continued to be passed down from generation to generation.
Famous people with the name Szynkarek
- Peter Szynkarek: Musician for the German band Subway to Sally.
- Ted Szynkarek: Former Head Coach of the Grand Rapids Rampage of the Arena Football League.
- Mary Szynkarek: American voice actress known for her portrayal as “Erika” in the romantic comedy film Kaoru. 4.2006 World Karate Champion Andrea Szynkarek: Retired Polish Karateka.
- Garrett Szynkarek: American actor, producer and writer known for his work in the horror-drama The Autopsy of Jane Doe (2016) and the drama Struck (2016).
- Frank Szynkarek: German diver who participated in the 1988 Olympic Games.
- Kamila Szynkarek: Professional football forward player for the SGS Essen club.
- Dr. Ewa Szynkarek: Established Polish physician and educator.
- Adam Szynkarek: Assistant Professor of Economics at the University of Pennsylvania.
- Nick Szynkarek: American mixed martial artist and kickboxer.