Surname Wawra - Meaning and Origin
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Wawra: What does the surname Wawra mean?
The meaning and origin of the last name Wawra is not well known, however, it is thought to be of Polish origin. In Polish, "Wawr" means "Laurel," which suggests a link to the laurel tree, as seen with the other Polish surnames such as Wawrzynowicz and Wawrowski. This suggests the family's ancestors may have possessed or been associated with laurel trees in some way.
In many cases, surnames can often act as symbols of the family’s roots and history, which is likely true in this case. As such, the Wawra surname can easily be interpreted to mean “Laurel”. This interpretation may originate from a family history of being linked to laurel trees, either as a source of food, medicine, or even as an alternative craft or spare parts. It may also suggest connections with any related organizations or businesses that the family may have had a connection with prior.
We may never fully know the true meaning or origin of the Wawra surname, but its use itself may suggest some kind of connection with the laurel tree in some way. It may even serve as a symbol of the family’s proud roots and their commitment to preserving their heritage.
Order DNA origin analysisWawra: Where does the name Wawra come from?
The last name Wawra is most commonly found in the central European countries of Austria, Germany, and Poland. In Austria, Wawra is the 28th most common last name and can be found in the states of Upper and Lower Austria. In Germany, it is the 406th most common last name and is found primarily in the North Rhine-Westphalia region. In Poland, the Wawra name is the 440th most popular and is most often used in the Lesser Poland and Masovian Voivodeships.
In the United States, the surname Wawra is slightly more rare, being absent from the top 1000 surnames list. However, there are still a fair number of individuals with the surname living in the US, particularly in the states of Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Texas. It is likely these Americans are descended from immigrants from the European countries in which the name is the most prevalent.
The spelling of the surname differs slightly when it is found outside of Europe. Wawrah is the most common variant in English speaking countries. Australians with the surname are more likely to spell it Warnah.
The origin of the Wawra surname is most likely Slavic, given its prevalence in Central Europe. The name may have been derived from the Slavic words “wawr” and “awr” which both mean “clave” or “key”. Given the vast span of the surname’s geographical distribution, it is difficult to determine one unified meaning for the name. However, it is reasonable to assume that it was derived from the Slavic words discussed above.
Thus, the surname Wawra is most commonly found in the central European countries of Austria, Germany, and Poland. Though slightly more rare, many individuals with this surname can also be found in the US and Australia. The name is likely of Slavic origin, deriving from the words “wawr” and “awr” which have meanings relating to “clave” or “key”.
Variations of the surname Wawra
The surname Wawra is derived from the Czech word “vávra,” meaning “a miser.” Variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin as Wawra include Vavra, Vawra, Vawrina, Vawron, Vacík, Vacz, Wac, Wacha, Wačák, Wačík, Wacik, Wójtowicz, Vavrik, and Vavrinc.
Vavra is a Czech and Slovak surname common in Moravia and Slovakia. It derived from the Czech word vávra, indicating someone who was notably thrifty or frugal. It is most common in the Czech Republic and Slovakia, but can be found in Germany, Austria, and other European countries.
Vawra is a variation of the Czech surname Vavra, which is derived from the Czech word vavra meaning a miser or a frugal person. It is most common in the Czech Republic, Germany, Austria, and other European countries.
Vawrina is another variation of the Czech surname Vavra.
Vawron is a variant spelling of the Czech surname Vavra.
Vacík, Vacz, and Wac are other forms of the Czech surname Vavra. They are derived from a nickname, “váči” or “vác”, which was given to a thrifty or frugal person in medieval Czech Republic.
Wacha, Wačák, Wačík, Wacik, and Wójtowicz are other variations of the Czech surname Vavra. They are derived from a nickname, “váči” or “vác”, which was given to a frugal or thrifty person in medieval Czech Republic.
Vavrik and Vavrinc are Czech surnames derived from the same root as the surname Vavra. They are derived from the same nickname, “váči” or “vác”, given to a thrifty or a frugal person in the medieval Bohemia (now the Czech Republic).
Famous people with the name Wawra
- Franz Wawra: an Austrian cross country skier and coach who competed in the 1952 and 1956 Winter Olympic Games.
- Michael Wawra: a German actor and singer who performed in a number of popular musicals such as Der Herr der Insel and Cabaret.
- Eugene Wawra: an American collegiate and professional basketball player who starred for Marquette University’s 1963 ‘Cinderella Team’.
- Kevin Wawra: an American professional football player who played in the NFL for the Denver Broncos and New York Giants.
- Robert Wawra: an Austrian fashion and sport model who has appeared in several publications including Vogue Japan and And Men Magazine.
- Peggy Wawra: an American Olympic speedskater who competed in the 1992 and 1994 Winter Olympic Games, winning a bronze medal in the 1500 m event in 1994.
- Ewa Wawra: a Polish beach volleyball player who represented her nation at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.
- Birgit Wawra: a German Alpine skier who competed in the 1992 Winter Olympic Games.
- Hélène Wawra: a Canadian female curler who competed at the 2002 to 2005 Scott Tournament of Hearts.
- Chris Wawra: an American college football coach who is the offensive coordinator for the University of Toledo Rockets.