Surname Kudla - Meaning and Origin
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Kudla: What does the surname Kudla mean?
Kudla is a Slavic last name associated with a variety of different language groups, such as Polish, Russian and Slovak. The name is most commonly found in the Slavic countries of the former Soviet Union, as well as the Baltic States. The etymology of the name is uncertain, although it is likely either a diminutive form of Kułak (meaning “ball,” “club” or “sphere”) or derived from the Slavic word “kudit” which means “to cook.”
It is believed that the original holders of the Kudla surname were cooks or merchants of some kind. In medieval Poland, the Kudla surname was often associated with butchers, who worked out of the same kitchen as did the cooks. Over time, the surname became more widespread and is now found in many different countries, including Argentina, Croatia, the United States of America and Canada.
The Kudla surname may also be found in the Czech Republic, Bohemia, Slovakia, Belarus, Lithuania, and Russia. In modern times, those who bear the Kudla name usually do so as a testament to their Eastern European heritage. The Kudlas are typically proud of their family history, as the original Kudlas were survivors, as well as pugnacious in their patriotism.
Today, Kudla is a surname that carries with it a strong sense of identity and pride. Kudla families are held in high esteem by both fellow Slavs and non-Slavs alike. With a fascinating history and a plethora of origins, the Kudla name is truly an important part of our heritage.
Order DNA origin analysisKudla: Where does the name Kudla come from?
The last name Kudla is most common today in Poland, Ukraine, and Belarus. Kudla is a common name in all of these countries for many centuries. In Poland, Kudla is an old name, being first recorded there in 1406. Kudla was also used in other parts of Europe in the past including Slovakia, Hungary, and Czech Republic.
In Poland, Kudla is often seen as a patronymic surname, derived from a paternal name (Kudło, Kudiel, Kudlio, Kudlik, Kudlaa, Kudlak, and Kudlicz). It is also a toponymic surname, derived from the name of a place.
In Belarus, Kudla is typically an occupational name, derived from the Old Belarusian word for a cooper, or a maker of barrels and buckets. In Ukraine, Kudla is derived from the name Kotyk, meaning ‘cat’. The Ukrainian version of the name is Kudlej.
Today, the Kudla name is thought to be most common among Slavic nations, particularly in Poland, Ukraine, and Belarus. It is also found, to a lesser extent, in other European countries including Slovakia, Hungary, and the Czech Republic.
Variations of the surname Kudla
The surname Kudla is an occupational-based surname, which means “blacksmith” in the language of the Ashkenazi Jews. This surname originated in Eastern Europe (Poland, Ukraine, Belarus, and Lithuania).
Kudla is the primary and most common spelling of this surname, but there are some alternate variants and spellings. These include Kudlah, Kudlach, Kudlow/Kudlowe, Kudel, Kudlin, Kudelnik and Kudelka.
Other surnames that have the same origin as Kudla include Kutler, Kutlevsky, Kutlinsky, Kutner, and Kutzen.
Kudla has been carried over to other countries, due to migration and emigration. Alternate spellings of this surname have been adopted in countries such as the United States, Canada, and Australia. For example, in the United States the Alternate spellings most commonly found are Kudler, Kudler and Kudla. In Canada, Kudla is also commonly found spelled as Kudlakh and Kudlow.
The surname Kudla is derived from the German word “Kudel”, which means to beat and hammer metals, a craft that was associated with Blacksmiths. This name was taken up as a surname by people whose occupation was a blacksmith, or who worked in related occupations such as armourers and jewellers.
Overall, the surname Kudla is derived from the German word Kudel and is the occupational-based surname of Jewish people in Eastern Europe. Alternate variants and spellings of this surname include Kudlah, Kudlach, Kudlow/Kudlowe, Kudel, Kudlin, Kudelnik, Kudelka, Kutler, Kutlevsky, Kutlinsky, Kutner, and Kutzen. These have been adopted in other countries due to migration and emigration.
Famous people with the name Kudla
- Pat Kudla, Professional Wrestler
- Anita Kudla, Sprinter and Long Jumper
- Taras Kudla, Ukrainian Singer
- Fred Kudla, Former NHL Player
- Chris Kudla, Former Major League Baseball Player
- Greg Kudla, Former Major League Baseball Player
- Aleks Kudla, Estonian Chess Grandmaster
- Dr. Ray Kudla, Plastic Surgeon
- Ken Kudla, Sportscaster
- Lyuba Kudla, Singer
- Amanda Kudla, Professional Makeup Artist
- Bogdan Kudla, Polish Youth Soccer Player
- Eugeniusz Kudla, Ukrainian Fencer
- Bill Kudla, Football Player
- Jakub Kudla, Polish Soccer Player
- Ewa Kudla, Polish Middle Distance Runner
- Ryan Kudla, Football Player
- Kossima Kudla, Football Player
- Krystian Kudla, Associate Director at Making Connections
- Stas Kudla, Belarusian Paralympian