Surname Pavilenis - Meaning and Origin
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Pavilenis: What does the surname Pavilenis mean?
The last name Pavilenis does not have a specific known meaning in the English language. Pavilenis is a surname that appears to be of Lithuanian origin. Many Lithuanian surnames have particular meanings when translated, usually connected to professions, personal characteristics, or geographic locations. However, the specific meaning of the surname Pavilenis is unclear without further historical and linguistic analysis. Frequently, surnames describe an ancestor's occupation or may derive from personal nicknames based on individual characteristics. In Lithuania, it's also common for surnames to be derived from given names. Pavilenis may be a patronymic surname derived from a modified personal name like Pavel or Pavlo, yet this is speculation without additional information. Thus, the specific nature and history of the surname Pavilenis remain elusive unless more detailed genealogical research is undertaken.
Order DNA origin analysisPavilenis: Where does the name Pavilenis come from?
The last name Pavilenis is most commonly found in Lithuania, where it is one of the most common surnames. Records show that the surname was first recorded in the 13th century in the Grand Duchy of Lithuania and has been in use ever since.
In modern times, the surname remains most popular in Lithuania, where it is still among the most commonly found surnames. According to recent statistics from the Lithuanian Department of Statistics, in 2017 it was the 13th most common surname among Lithuanian citizens.
The surname also has a significant presence in other countries, especially those around Lithuania such as Belarus, Latvia, and Poland. Records show that many of the immigrants who moved to the United States in the 19th century to escape religious persecution were Pavilenis. Many of these immigrants made their way to Pennsylvania, Ohio, Wisconsin, and Minnesota. The surname is also found throughout Canada, and even in such far-flung locations as Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa.
In these areas, the name Pavilenis is not as common as it is in Lithuania, but it is still found among the local populations. It is also encountered in many other countries, indicating the fairly widespread emigration of the people who bore the name. The different spellings of the name also indicate its presence in multiple places, as variations based on phonetic spelling exist in different languages. This shows the staying power and popularity of this surname over time and across different societies.
Variations of the surname Pavilenis
Pavilenis is the original Lithuanian variation of the surname Pavilonis, which is also spelled as Pavilenys, Pavilenas, and Pavylenis. The surname has its origin in the Lithuanian word pavyzdys, which translates to "example" or "pattern". In some cases, the spelling of the name has been altered to "Pavelonis" due to phonetic changes, which is also a form of the surname. The surname is believed to have originated from an occupational name, possibly for someone who was a carpenter or pattern maker.
The Lithuanian patronymic naming pattern can also be seen in other forms of the Pavilenis surname, such as the variant "Pavileninskas", which translates to, "son of Pavilenis". Other variants of the surname include "Pavilaitis", which signifies a son or grandson of Pavilenis, and "Pavilonis", "Pavylas", "Pavylaitis", "Pavelyte", and "Pavilenta", all of which are derivatives of the original Pavilenis form.
The surnames Pavilenos and Pavilonis are highly uncommon, and may be derivatives of the original Pavilenis form, although it is uncertain. Pavilenka is another surname which has been recorded, which is likely formed from the combination of Pavilen and the suffix -ka.
In some cases, the surname has been adopted as a given name. For example, Laura Pavilenis is a Lithuanian born singer-songwriter who is known for creating music with folk themes. The shortened version of the surname, Pavilen, is frequently used as a given name, and is a unisex choice in Lithuania.
Famous people with the name Pavilenis
- Antanas Pavlenis (Lithuanian linguist and philologist, 16th century)
- Petras Pavlenis (Lithuanian romantic poet and satirist, 19th century)
- Birutė Pavlenienė (Lithuanian feminist author and public figure, 20th century)
- Vytautas Pavlenis (Lithuanian diplomat and art collector, 20th century)
- Povilas Pavlenis (Lithuanian actor, screenwriter and director, 20th century)
- Andrius Pavlenis (Lithuanian politician, 21st century)
- Dangiras Pavolenis (Lithuanian model and entrepreneur, 21st century)
- Eglė Pavlenienė (Lithuanian scientist, inventor and professor, 21st century)
- Ramūnas Pavilenis (Lithuanian basketball player, 21st century)
- Lygia Pavilenis (German-Lithuanian actress and composer, 21st century)