Surname Kijko - Meaning and Origin
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Kijko: What does the surname Kijko mean?
Kijko is a Polish last name, originating from the De Kijko family, who were wealthy nobles from the Galicia region of Ukraine and south-central Poland, in the mid-1500s.
Kijko is a common surname in the Slavic languages, derived from the term for a bird-catcher or falconer. The name may have been adopted from the occupation of the original settlers of the area; historically, falconry was practiced to control the populations of birds that threatened crops in the area. It is thought that the De Kijko family adopted the name as a way to pay tribute to their profession.
The name is common in many forms among families of the Galicia and Ukraine regions, including Kicska, Kiscko, and Kiczka. It is also seen in the surrounding countries, including Hungary, the Czech Republic, and Belarus.
In modern times, the name has come to signify strong family values and loyalty. To many, the name is seen as an embodiment of the core values held by the De Kijko family from hundreds of years ago—values like respect, honor, and courage. As a result, the name Kijko is held in high regard by many, being a source of pride and admiration.
Order DNA origin analysisKijko: Where does the name Kijko come from?
The surname Kijko is most commonly found throughout Eastern Europe. Though its exact origin is unclear, its peak locations are most prominently in Poland and Lithuania, with large concentrations of the name appearing in Belarus, Ukraine, and Slovakia as well. It is relatively rare in other parts of the world and is thought to be a rare surname found in the United States, Canada, and Australia.
The original version of the last name Kijko is believed to be a Slavic occupational or descriptive name derived from the Polish word kij, which means cane or stick. This suggests the original bearer of the name may have made or sold some sort of poles or other long objects made from wood. Alternatively, it could have been used to describe someone tall and lanky, referring to them as having a cane-like quality.
The present-day spelling and pronunciation of the last name may have also been influenced by transliteration and language changes over time. In some Eastern European countries, the name is spelled Kyenko, Kyenko or Kienko. In the United States, it is often spelled Kijko, Kijak, or Kijack.
Regardless of the original spelling and pronunciation, the last name Kijko remains most widely recognized in Eastern Europe. It is primarily found in Poland and Lithuania, where it hosts large concentrations of the surname. The name is becoming increasingly rare in other parts of the world, however, making it increasingly difficult to trace the lineage of those who bare the name.
Variations of the surname Kijko
The surname Kijko is an infrequent Ukrainian or Byelarusian surname. It has become more widespread due to migration but is far from being a common name. Around 90% of people with this surname are born in the countries of Ukraine or Byelarus.
Various spellings and variants of this surname appear in different countries. The spelling forms may include Kyijko, Kyijka, Kijka, Kijko, Kyjka, Kyjko, Kijkka, Kijko, Kijoka, Kijkoa, Kiju, and Kiyko, among other minor variations.
Taken from records, the surname Kijko may also have a few associated surnames. These include Galaj, Galoij, Korolij, Koval, Kovalik, Kozak, Kulik, Lasnenko, Luchko, Putilin, Rybak, Sokoliv, and Pylypiv, among others.
In general, the surname Kijko is believed to have originated as a patronymic surname. A patronymic surname is a surname which is formed by the addition of a suffix or prefix to the given name of the father. Thus, the name Kijko may be derived from the combination of Kijo with a patronymic suffix, such as '-s'.
Most of these surnames are still associated with the countries of Ukraine and Byelarus. As such, families with the surname Kijko are likely to be found in both countries, in addition to some other countries in Europe and beyond which have seen a influx of Ukrainian or Byelarusian migrants.
Famous people with the name Kijko
- Andrei Kijko: Russian-Irish actor, academic and translator.
- John Kijko: National Hockey League player for the Los Angeles Kings.
- Adam Kijko: Canadian-Polish philosopher and historian.
- Georgette Kijko: Performer for the National Ballet of Canada.
- George Kijko: Poker player and winner of the World Poker Tour.
- Maya Kijko: Veterinarian and television personality.
- Luka Kijko: Participator of the FIA Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters.
- Daniella Kijko: Internationally acclaimed fashion designer.
- Diogo Kijko: Brazilian football goalkeeper for the Corinthians.
- Julie Kijko: Canadian professional skater and fitness model.