Surname Wlodarz - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'W'
Wlodarz: What does the surname Wlodarz mean?
The last name Wlodarz is derived from the Polish word włodarz, meaning “governor” or “lord” and is commonly found among families of Polish origin. According to research, the surname is thought to have been used by members of the nobility or landed gentry in the medieval period, when land ownership and civic office were closely connected and hereditary.
The specific region in which the surname is most commonly found is Silesia, a historic region in today’s southern Poland and eastern Czech Republic. The first recorded mention of the surname dates back to 1214, when a notable of the same name received land from a prince of Silesia.
Adopting a surname was commonplace when peasants left their rural homes to seek a better life in the city and adopt a more affluent lifestyle. Many of those who took the surname would have hoped to give their children a more secure future by representing a more distinguished origin and greater social standing.
Today, the surname is very rare in Poland. Among those of Polish descent living outside of Poland, however, the surname is far more common. In the United States, for example, it is relatively easy to find Wlodarz families in larger cities.
The sentiment behind taking on the surname of Wlodarz is one of social advancement and betterment. Historically, nobles were responsible for much of the governing in the area, making the surname immediately associated with social standing and influence. Its meanings remain relevant and pertinent today for anyone seeking to signify social prominence.
Order DNA origin analysisWlodarz: Where does the name Wlodarz come from?
The last name Wlodarz is commonly found in Central and Eastern European countries such as Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary and Ukraine. The surname is of Polish origin and derived from the Polish word ‘Włodarz’ which means ‘lord’ or ‘ruler’ and was used as an occupational name for someone in a position of power or authority.
In Poland, it is the 148th most popular surname with over 9,000 bearers and the most popular in the south western region around Wroclaw. Slovenia, Slovakia and the Czech Republic also have high populations of Wlodarz’s with over 1,500 people bearing the last name.
In Hungary, it is written as ‘Vlodár’ and is more commonly found, with over 3,000 people bearing the name. The majority of those with the surname live in Indian Cities such as Budapest and Debrecen.
Due to the high numbers in Central and Eastern Europe, the Wlodarz surname is rarely seen elsewhere. The United States has low numbers of Wlodarz’s, with just over 150 people of Polish-American descent bearing the surname. There is also a small but growing population in Canada, with the last name first being recorded in 1880.
Overall, the surname Wlodarz is most commonly found in Central and Eastern Europe, particularly in Poland, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Hungary and Ukraine. The surname is rarely seen elsewhere, with fewer than 200 people in the United States and Canada combined.
Variations of the surname Wlodarz
The surname Wlodarz is derived from a Slavic word for ‘ruler’ or ‘prince’. As such, there are several variations in spelling and alternative surnames of the same origin:
Włodarz - This is the traditional spelling of the surname in its native Polish language.
Vladar - A version of the word adopted in Serbia and Montenegro.
Vladař - A Czech version of the surname.
Vlohar/Vlahar - Alternate versions of the surname in Croatia.
Vladarcik - The diminutive form of the surname in Slovakia.
Włodarek - A masculine derived version of the surname in Poland.
Włodarka - A feminine derived version of the surname in Poland.
Wlodarski - A derivative of the surname in Poland, which may be used as a given name or surname.
Wlodarczyk - Another derivative of the surname, which may be used as a given name or surname.
These are some of the many variants that may be used in different languages and countries. Depending on the region, different spellings and variations might be more widely used or more recognizable.
Famous people with the name Wlodarz
- Agnieszka Włodarczyk: Professional Polish athlete specialising in hammer throw
- Granit Wlodarz: Albanian-born French football defender
- Aleksander Włodarz: Professional Polish footballer
- Paweł Włodarczyk: Professional Polish footballer
- Anna Włodarczyk: Silver medalist in discus throw at the European Athletics U20 Championships
- Marija Žarana Włodarczak: Yugoslavian-born Australian actor and director best known for her role in the movie "Heavenly Creatures"
- Henryk Włodarczyk: Polish actor and voice-over artist
- Dariusz Włodarczyk: Polish musician, composer and arranger
- Magdalena Włodarczyk: Polish sports journalist, television presenter and basketball player
- Alexander Włodarz: German actor, screenwriter and director best known for his roles in films such as "Schönefeld Boulevard" and "The Wave"