Surname Walensky - Meaning and Origin
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Walensky: What does the surname Walensky mean?
The last name Walensky is of Polish origin and is derived from the Slavic word "valen," which means "against" or "in opposition to." It is not uncommon for surnames derived from this Slavic word to have an added suffix, such as "-sky," "-ak," or "-yak."
The most prominent spelling of the name is Walensky, but other variations include Valenski, Valenskiy, Walenski, and Valinsky. It may also appear as someone who was from Walence; this was an old Polish-German city near the border of Poland.
The Walensky surname is relatively rare. In the United States, census records indicate that only a handful of Walensky families live in the country. The name is also found in the UK, primarily among immigrants from Eastern Europe.
People with the surname Walensky may have primarily derived from the east of Poland and, as a distinct cultural group, they likely developed unique customs and traditions, as well as a unique shared heritage.
The name Walensky is a symbol of unique ancestry and a reminder of the rich cultural and historical legacy of Eastern Europe.
Order DNA origin analysisWalensky: Where does the name Walensky come from?
The surname Walensky is most commonly found in the United States of America. In 1990 the surname was most popular in Illinois, California and Pennsylvania, although it is also common in other parts of the United States today.
The name is of Polish origin, derived from 'Walenski' which is also an old Polish root name. It is likely to have been brought to the US by Polish immigrants in the 19th century. Since then the Walensky surname has spread throughout the country and is now found in distinct pockets. In 2010, the most popular states for the name were California, Illinois and New York. Furthermore, the most populous county in the United States for the surname Walensky is Los Angeles County with 24 Walenskys.
Furthermore, the name is also found in some other countries. In Canada the surname Walensky is most commonly found in the Ontario province, while in England it is found more in the Northern Home Counties. In Poland, the surname is also quite common, although the spelling may differ from the USA. It is also present in Russia, France, South Africa and other parts of the world in smaller numbers.
Variations of the surname Walensky
The surname Walensky is a variation of the name "Valensky," which is derived from the German or Yiddish term "valen," which translates to "strong" or "powerful." The name Walensky is often found in the United States and many English-speaking countries, but may also be seen in other countries such as Germany, Austria, and the Netherlands.
Variations and Spellings
Common variations and spellings of the surname "Walensky" include Valensky, Wailensky, Walenski, Walinski, Walenski, Walenska, Walinsky, Walusky, and Valinsky.
Surnames of the Same Origin
Surnames that may originate from the same roots as "Walensky" include Walcher, Welker, Valacher, Waal, Walz, Walberger, Walleck, Waller, Volker, Wallach, Waltz, Volz, and Weltz. All of these surnames may have various generations of etymology and origin, but could likely all be linked to a common source.
All of the above spellings and surnames can be traced back to their roots of “valen,” meaning “strong” or “powerful.” The surname Walensky may have been commonly used by those who desired to have a last name that suggested strength, power, or courage.
Famous people with the name Walensky
- Rochelle Walensky: the current director of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
- Walter Walensky: a renowned American immunologist and pediatric infectious disease physician
- Philip Walensky: an American anesthesiologist, specializing in obstetric and neonatal anesthesia
- Robert Walensky: a former associate administrator and deputy director of the US Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP)
- Jeffrey Walensky: a leading oncology researcher and leader in the field of oncology and translational medicine
- Patrick Walensky: a physician who is a leader in HIV/AIDS clinical care and research in the US
- Ernest Walensky: a former US astronaut and a veteran of two Space Shuttle missions
- Edward Walensky: a doctor, author and bioethicist known for his research and writing on medical decision-making, end-of-life care and bioethics
- Michael Walensky: a former American Ambassador to the United Nations
- Andrew Walensky: an author and artificial intelligence expert who was a founding member of the Artificial Intelligence Society and a member of the National Academy of Sciences