Surname Wodarzek - Meaning and Origin
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Wodarzek: What does the surname Wodarzek mean?
The last name Wodarzek is a Polish surname of patronymic origin, derived from a given name of Wodar. It is then a surname which is formed by adding the Polish suffix "-ek," which translates to "little." As such, it can be interpreted to mean "little Wodar," and is thought to be an affectionate nickname given to someone of that specific given name.
Additionally, the meaning of the name Wodar is not completely known. Some sources state that it is ultimately derived from Slavic elements which can be translated to mean "he who was created or made from a forest." In this sense, the surname Wodarzek could then essentially mean "the little one who was created or made from a forest."
No matter the origin, the last name Wodarzek is a wonderful reminder of past heritage and family traditions. Being of Polish origin, it can often be seen in records from Poland, as well as other areas of Eastern Europe. Today, it can still be found as an uncommon surname but with increasing awareness of its history, it may become more recognized in years to come.
Order DNA origin analysisWodarzek: Where does the name Wodarzek come from?
The surname Wodarzek is common in certain parts of Europe today. The name originates mainly from a region that is now part of the Czech Republic and Poland. It is also relatively common in the German states of Brandenburg, Saxony and Thuringia, where records of the surname date back to the 1800s. In the United States, the name Wodarzek is most common in Wisconsin, where many immigrants from Europe have settled. The name is also present in the states of Illinois, Iowa, Michigan and Nevada in the USA.
In the United Kingdom, Wodarzek is an uncommon surname. Records show that the name was present in Northamptonshire in the 19th century, where at the time it was an uncommon name. The name has also been found on record in London in the 1800s and more recently, in Lancashire in the early to mid 20th century.
The Wodarzek surname is still recorded in many parts of Europe today, but is most common in the Czech Republic and Poland. In the United States, it is relatively more common in Wisconsin and the other aforementioned Midwest states. In the United Kingdom, it is an uncommon name, but records do indicate past presence in the country.
Variations of the surname Wodarzek
The surname Wodarzek is of Slavic origin and most commonly found in countries such as Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Russia. It is often spelled as "Vodarcek" and "Vodarcik".
In Poland, variants of the surname include Wodarczyk, Wodarcik, Wodarczak, and Wodarczakowski. These Polish spellings are derived from the Polish word "woda", which means "water". This is indicative of the surname's origin being associated with a family who makes its living as water carriers, ferry boatmen, fishmongers, or vendors of water objects.
In Czech Republic and Slovakia, variants of the surname include Vodarček, Vodarčík, Vodráček, Vodráčík, and Vodarcek. These spellings are derived from the Czech word "voda", which means "water".
In Russia, variants of the surname include Vodark, Vodorazek, Vodarck, Vodarcev, and Vodarceva. These spellings are derived from the combination of Russian words "voda" (water) and "razek" (forger).
It is important to note that, while these variants of the surname are all believed to have originated from the same Slavic word for "water", they are now used in different countries and regions to refer to people with various professions, from water carriers to forgers. This makes it likely that many of the variants are unrelated and then take on a different connotation in different parts of the world.
Famous people with the name Wodarzek
- Ludwig Wodarzek: a renowned German entrepreneur and inventor in the automotive industry.
- Hubert Wodarzek: a professional basketball player and former division one college basketball coach.
- Jack Wodarzek: a professional boxer and former world champion.
- Kurt Wodarzek: a renowned Austrian scientist and professor at the University of Vienna.
- Dieter Wodarzek: a German sculptor and painter whose works have been displayed in exhibitions throughout Europe and the United States.
- Ali Wodarzek: a high-ranking engineer in the aerospace industry.
- Willy Wodarzek: a German football coach, who has managed top German clubs and the German national team.
- Beat Wodarzek: a Swiss politician and former Member of the Swiss Parliament.
- Karl Wodarzek: a renowned German architect who has designed some of Germany's most iconic buildings.
- Cressida Wodarzek: an English actress, singer and songwriter who has appeared in films such as "The Theory of Everything" and "The Imitation Game".