Surname Petrasek - Meaning and Origin
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Petrasek: What does the surname Petrasek mean?
The last name Petrasek is of Bohemian origin and is derived from the personal name Petr, which is itself derived from the ancient Greek word "petros,” meaning rock. The name has various spellings, including Petraski and Petraske, but almost always retains the origination as Petr.
As such, many believe the surname Petrasek translates to mean "son of Peter," as the termination -ek was often used to describe surnames with unknown origins as an indication of a father-son relationship. According to Czech to English translations, the name can also mean “extracted from a rock” or “rocky.”
The Petrasek family has a long history in the Bohemia region of Central Europe, which is now modern Czech Republic. Various records of the Petraseks go back to the 1700s, and the name can be found in records such as marriage and birth documents.
The name has spread throughout Europe, and there are now many variations of the Petrasek last name across the continent. In the United States, the Petrasek name is most prominent in the Midwest, particularly Wisconsin, Michigan, and Illinois.
In summary, the surname Petrasek is from Bohemian origin, and likely denotes a “son of Peter” relationship, as well as meaning “extracted from a rock” or “rocky.” The Petrasek name has a long history throughout Europe and the United States, and it holds a special significance for those with the surname.
Order DNA origin analysisPetrasek: Where does the name Petrasek come from?
The last name Petrasek is most common today in the Czech Republic and Slovakia. Petrasek is a very old Czech name, so old that its roots can be traced back to the 13th century. It is thought to have originated from a person who lived near the Petrasec Jezera (lake Petrasec) in Central Bohemia, or may even be derived from the old name Petrovec.
Petraseks today are primarily descendants of people who left the Czech Republic and Slovakia during the 19th and 20th centuries in search of a better life. From the Czech Republic and Slovakia, it is now common to find Petraseks in the United States, Canada, Australia, Germany, and the United Kingdom. Australia has the highest concentration of Petraseks outside of Central Europe.
The Petrasek surname is renowned for its scientific achievements, and in Czech language literature, the name is often portrayed as a symbol of progress and achievement. Its namesake at Petrasec Jezera lake is still remembered in Czech language folk songs, and is venerated as an example of strength and perseverance.
Today, Petraseks are continuing to make their mark in science and other fields, with some having achieved success and recognition in Czech Republic academia, technology and business. Many are continuing to make contributions to the world of literature and academia, while some are also entrepreneurs and start-up founders.
Variations of the surname Petrasek
The surname Petrasek has several variants with similar spellings and surnames of the same origin. Depending on the country, they include Petrasek, Petraszek, Petrashek, Petraschka, Petrask, Petrosak, Petroska, Petroshka, Petriska, Petruska, Peruska, Peruszek, and Pesek.
In Germany and the Netherlands, the Austrian version of the surname is most commonly spelled as Petrasek and Petraszek. The more frequent one in the Netherlands is Petrasek, derived from the root word Petrus, meaning ‘rock’. Meanwhile, in Poland, the surname is typically spelled as Petraszek or Petrashek. The Petrashek variation is derived from the Polish adjective 'piotrus', meaning 'stone'.
In other Slavic countries such as Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus, Petrasek is also present, but with slight differences in spelling. For instance, in Russia, the commonly used variant of the surname is Petroshka, and in Ukraine, it is spelled as Petruska or Petriska. On the other hand, the Belarusian variant is often spelled as Peruska or Peruszek.
The surname Petrasek also has slightly different spellings in other countries with diverse linguistic backgrounds. For example, in Hungary de Petres or Petras can be used, while in France, it is spelled as Petras or Petraske. In Croatia, the spelling consists of Petrasic or Pestreš.
Overall, no matter where in the world one may trace the origin of Petrasek, the meaning of the surname remains the same – derived from the ancient root Petrus, which can be translated to rock or stone.
Famous people with the name Petrasek
- Martin Petrasek: renowned Czech ice hockey player who spent two years in the NHL.
- Jeff Petrasek: former professional basketball player in Europe and the United States.
- Stanislav Petrasek: Slovak football goalkeeper who played for several clubs in the Czech Republic.
- Richard Petrasek: American artist and photographer.
- Mike Petrasek: Defensive Coordinator for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers football team.
- Stan Petrasek: American 20th century artist whose works are found in several art collections.
- Miroslav Petrasek: Czech-Canadian diplomat who served as Canada's Ambassador to the Czech Republic.
- Jan Petrasek: Slovakian football manager who has managed several teams in the country.
- Katerina Petrasek: Czech tennis player who competed in the ladies' singles event at the French Open.
- Lela Petrasek: American musician and voice actress who is best known for her work in video games and animated films.