Surname Wolinsky - Meaning and Origin

Wolinsky: What does the surname Wolinsky mean?

The last name Wolinsky is a Jewish surname of Eastern European origin. Historically, it has been used by Jewish people across Europe, although it is most common in Poland, Russia, and Ukraine.

The etymology of the name can be traced to the Middle High German words “wol” and “insky”, with “wol” meaning “to rule or govern” and “insky” meaning “belonging to”. Thus, the literal definition of Wolinsky is “one who rules”, and so it has been interpreted by some to refer to the wolves of Jewish mythology that were thought to guard the gates of heaven (or in the case of Wolinsky, of a Jewish homeland).

The actual spelling of the name has changed over time, and variants include Wolinski, Wlinsky, Vollinsky and Wollinsky. Despite the various forms, the essential meaning of the name remains the same.

The Wolinsky surname has been used by Jewish families through the generations, and continues to be used in countries were descendants of Eastern European Jews still exist. The name still carries its original interpretation, with many Wolinskys still having successful careers, owning their own businesses, or being prominent in their chosen field.

Wolinsky: Where does the name Wolinsky come from?

Today, the last name Wolinsky is most commonly found in the United States, primarily in Massachusetts, New York, and Pennsylvania. It is also found in the countries of Ukraine, Poland, Belarus, and Russia, as well as areas that were formerly part of the Soviet Union. It is likely that the name originated in these Eastern European countries before emigrants brought it to the United States, where it spread to the other areas where it is now found.

In the US, according to the most recent US Census data, it is estimated that there are nearly 7,000 people with the last name Wolinsky, making it the 1,385th most popular family name in the country. Much of the population with this name resides in the Northeast, particularly in Massachusetts, with a few residents scattered throughout the other states.

Given its Eastern European origins, it is not surprising to see the prevalence of the name in the countries mentioned. While the name is relatively rare in the United States, it certainly is a noteworthy name with a rich history of over a century. The last name Wolinsky has withstood the test of time, a meaningful legacy for those that bear the name today.

Variations of the surname Wolinsky

Wolinsky is a unique surname derived from the name Wolinsky which in turn is an abbreviation formed from the first names of two people. The Yiddish version of the name is Volfinsky and the Russian variant is Vol'finskii. The variants Wolinsky, Volfinsky, and Vol'finskii all refer to the same origin, which is a combination of the names Volf and Isak.

In Yiddish, the Wolinsky surname is spelled Volfinski ־ װאָלפינסקי, or Volfinskyy ־ װאָלפינסקי. In Russian, the surname variants include Vol'finskii ־ Вольфинский and Vol'finski ־ Вольфински.

There are several additional variants of the surname based on the original names of Volf and Isak. These variants include Wolodinsky ־ װאָלאָדינסקי, Wollinsky ־ װאָללינסקי, Wolinskyy ־ װאָלינסקי, and Wolfinsky ־ װאָלפינסקי.

The Polish equivalent of Wolinsky is Wołynsky or Wołynski. The Belarusian and Ukrainian versions are Volynski ־ Волински; and Volynsky ־ Волинський respectively.

Other related surnames which originate from the same line include Volinsky ־ װאָלינסקי, Volodinsky ־ װאָלאָדינסקי, Volfon ־ װאָלפאָן, and Wollon ־ װאָלאָן.

Overall, the spelling variations for the surname Wolinsky and its related forms have existed in many languages and dialects over the centuries, with regional variations being evident in many countries.

Famous people with the name Wolinsky

• Noah Wolinsky: American actor, known for his recurring role in Eastsiders, and for his role as Clay in the 2017 movie Wonderstruck.
• Anna Wolinsky: American production designer, known for her work on movies such as Christmas Vacation, Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, and Captain America: The First Avenger.
• Paul Wolinsky: American Jazz Saxophonist, known for his contributions to the genre with his sax riffs.
• Steve Wolinsky: American musician, producer, and record label executive, best known for producing the soundtracks for Spongebob Squarepants: The Movie and Never Been Kissed.
• Wendy Wolinsky: American film and television editor, best known for her work as an editor on the series, Buffy the Vampire Slayer.
• David Wolinsky: American comedian, podcaster, and writer, known for his comedy podcast No Right Answer, as well as his frequent collaborations with Good Neighbor and CollegeHumor.
• Ellen Wolinsky: American singer and songwriter, known for writing and performing a plethora of critically-acclaimed songs and albums.
• Barbara Wolinsky: American painter, whose works have been featured in many galleries around the world.
• Jason Wolinsky: American entrepreneur, known for founding the online marketplace Etsy.
• Claudia Wolinsky: American television producer and director, known for her work on many television shows, including The Daily Show and The Office.

Other surnames

WolinsWolinski