Surname Petrovits - Meaning and Origin
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Petrovits: What does the surname Petrovits mean?
The last name Petrovits is a patronymic name derived from the Slavic given name Petr/Petar (Peter). Originally, the name was Петровиц (Petrovic), which means 'son of Peter'. Over time, the ending '-ov(i)c' was dropped and the name became Petrovits.
The name Petrovits is common among South Slavic people, particularly in countries like Croatia, Serbia, and Bosnia. It can also be found in other Slavic countries like Ukraine and Georgia. The name is also found in diaspora communities; for example, many people with the last name Petrovits settled in North America after leaving their homelands due to immigration or political persecution.
Petrovits is commonly seen as a strong and noble name. For many, it is associated with a direct and protective nature, loyalty, and respect for tradition. Petrovits are often seen as dependable and family-oriented people — someone who will always come to the aid of their family and friends. It is also associated with an open-mindedness and strength of character to face any challenge that comes their way.
For these reasons, the last name Petrovits is an important and respected name among South Slavs and throughout the Slavic diaspora. It is the name of a proud people who continue to preserve and honor their Slavic heritage.
Order DNA origin analysisPetrovits: Where does the name Petrovits come from?
The last name Petrovits is most commonly found in Eastern European countries today. It is particularly popular in Croatia, Serbia, and Hungary. Croatia is where most Petrovitses live, with an estimated 548,364 in 2016, according to the Croatian Bureau of Statistics. Serbia is home to roughly 2,119 people with the surname, and Hungary to 1,477.
In terms of the diaspora, the last name can be found in countries all over the world with a sizable population of Eastern European immigrants. Most of these immigrants settled in the United States, of whom 109,311 were counted living in the US in 2000. Canada followed with 23,951, Australia with 4,316, the United Kingdom with 1,608, and South Africa with 1,164.
Though the last name is most likely of Slavic and/or Croatian origins, there are also some records of Petrovits in Germany, Austria, and Romania. It is possible that those who carry this name today are descendants of immigrants to these countries.
Overall, today the name Petrovits is concentrated mostly in Eastern European countries, but can be found in various other countries, including those in the diaspora. The history of the surname is intertwined with the politics and migrations of its homeland, now spanning multiple continents.
Variations of the surname Petrovits
The surname Petrovits is believed to be of German origin and derives from the words "petri foedus" which translates to "pact of Peter". It is also related to the personal name Petr, which is a variant of Peter. This surname is thought to have been adopted in the early medieval period and has many different variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin.
The most common spelling is Petrovits, but other variations may include Petrovici, Peterson, Petrut, Petruska, Petrak, Petrokevich, Petrosky, Petritsch, and Petromics. These variations are all derived from the Slavic, Czech and Hungarian languages. Petrovici is the plural Slavic form of Petrovits and translates to "belonging to Petrovic." Peterson is derived from the Patronymic form of the Petrovict surname and translates to "son of Peter." Petrut is a Hungarian form of the Polish name Petrovic. Petrak is the Croatian form of the surname Petrovic. Petrokevich is a variation of the same name originating from the Czech Republic. Petrosky is a spelling variation of the surname which translates to "son of Peter." Petritsch is derived from the Czech and Hungarian forms of the name. Lastly, Petromics is a variation of the Hungarian form of Petrovic.
Overall, the surname Petrovits has many different variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin, which all share the same root meaning.
Famous people with the name Petrovits
- Rade Petrovits: Serbian water polo player and coach
- Mirjana Petrovits: Serbian professor of interior design
- Gravina Petrovits: former Russian figure skater
- Matija Petrovits: Croatian musical composer
- Ján Petrovits: Slovak Olympic wrestler & soldier
- Pál Petrovits: Hungarian modern pentathlete
- Alexander Petrovits: Belarusian Olympic Weightlifter
- Mihaly Petrovits: Hungarian Olympic fencer
- Nenad Petrovits: Serbian former footballer
- Miklós Petrovits: Hungarian physical chemist and professor