Surname Zapletal - Meaning and Origin

Zapletal: What does the surname Zapletal mean?

The last name Zapletal is a Czech surname, originating from the word ‘zápletka’, meaning ‘complication’ or ‘knot’. It is believed to have originally been a nickname, given to someone who was frequently involved in difficult or complicated situations. This could be in a literal sense, such as a farmer who was constantly dealing with complex problems around their land, or in a more metaphorical way, such as a difficult family member or a tricky political situation.

The origin of the surname suggests that those with the Zapletal name are independent problem-solvers; people who prefer to find their own solutions to challenging situations, and can stay calm and composed even in the face of the most difficult problems. As such, those with this name may excel in roles that require strategic thinking and a quick mind; ones where you need to find the answers to difficult questions, and have the courage to stand up for what’s right.

Today, the Zapletal name is still quite common in the Czech Republic. It is a testament to those who have long borne the name in generations past, and stands to show that the ability to think and solve difficulties is a valuable trait that has been passed down from one Zapletal to the next.

Zapletal: Where does the name Zapletal come from?

The last name Zapletal is most commonly found in the Czech Republic. It is an old Czech surname deriving from the old Slavic word ‘zaplet’, which means a pulled away branch. This could refer to a topographical feature such as a hill or an outcropping of land which is dissected by a bend in the river or a slight rise in the land. It is thought that the family originated in South Moravia around the village of Nesméřice.

The name Zapletal is also found in North American countries, such as in the US and Canada, especially areas with a high population of Czech immigrants, such as Texas and Minnesota. It is the 37099th most common surname in the US.

The Zapletal surname is uncommon outside of the Czech Republic but is still recognizable in such countries as Germany, Austria and Poland. Although the name is not particularly prevalent, its origin still retained some recognition.

Despite its origin in Czech territory, the name Zapletal is known globally in certain circles and is recognizable in historical and genealogical contexts. The name is most prominent in the Czech Republic and is likely to continue to remain of recognizable status in the country for years to come.

Variations of the surname Zapletal

Zapletal is a surname of Czech and Central European origin. The variants of Zapletal include Zapletal, Zapletala, Zapleottestal, Zplettal, Zuplettal, Sepplettal, Säppletal, Zappletal, Sapletal, and Sablettal. These slightly different spellings of the name can be found mainly in the Czech Republic, Germany, and Austria.

The Czech variant of the surname is Zapletal. This spelling comes from the old Czech name Zápletal which means "small ornamental hedgehog", which can be seen on a coat of arms of the central Moravian aristocratic family of Zapletal.

The German variant of Zapletal, which is common in both Germany and Austria, is Zuplettal. This spelling is derived from the Middle High German word "sub", which also means small hedgehog. In Austrian and Bavarian dialects, Zuplettal can be found as Zaplettal, Zapleottestal, and in some regions of Switzerland, as Sepplettal.

The Czech variant of Sapletal is Sapletal. This spelling is derived from the Czech word for "hazel tree", which is a widely found in the region. The Hungarian variants of Zapletal are Zappletal and Sablettal.

Overall, the different variants and spellings of Zapletal all stem from a single origin and follow similar patterns that refer to a small hedgehog or a hazel tree. As Central European surnames go, Zapletal is quite specific and unique.

Famous people with the name Zapletal

• Miloš Zapletal, a Czech former ice hockey player
• Jaroslav Zapletal, a Czech former professional ice hockey player
• Zdeněk Zapletal, a Czech theatre and film actor, director and playwright
• Dan Zapletal, a Czech former professional ice hockey player
• Karel Zapletal, a Czech teacher and naturalist
• Jindřich Zapletal, a Czech novelist, literary critic and essayist
• Pavel Zapletal, a Czech former professional ice hockey player
• Pavel Zapletal, a Czech political scientist and analyst from Brno
• Marek Zapletal, a Czech former ice hockey player
• Radek Zapletal, a Czech badminton player

Other surnames

Zapletalova