Surname Plotnik - Meaning and Origin

Plotnik: What does the surname Plotnik mean?

Plotnik is a surname of Jewish (east Ashkenazic) origin. It is derived from the Yiddish word "plotnik", meaning "carpenter". This suggests that the ancestors of individuals bearing this last name may have been engaged in carpentry or related professions. This form of professional surname was common in Ashkenazic Jewish communities, similar to the way surnames like "Smith" or "Potter" emerged in English-speaking communities. The "-nik" suffix in Yiddish typically denotes a professional or an enthusiast. It should also be noted that spelling of surnames might have changed over generations due to varying reasons such as immigration or translation. Therefore, variations of this surname could include Plotnick, Platnik, or Plautnik.

Plotnik: Where does the name Plotnik come from?

The last name Plotnik is most commonly found in Israel, where it is one of the most popular surnames. It was first recorded in 19th century Galicia, where it was likely derived from the Ukrainian word “plot” meaning “field”. This suggests that the ancestors of those with the surname Plotnik were farmers.

Today, thousands of people across Israel proudly bear the Plotnik surname. In addition to Israel, the surname can also be found in Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, and the United States. In Russia, there is a small village called Plotniki where a fair number of people carry the surname.

People with the Plotnik surname are believed to have strong family ties through the generations. They value relationships with those close to them and they take pride in their history. They are also known for being creative, loyal, and hardworking.

Given the surname’s popularity in Israel, it is likely that there are many Plotniks across the world today who are descendants of immigrants who fled the Russian Empire during the early 20th century. These individuals could still be connected to other Plotniks living in Israel today. For many, the name Plotnik acts as a connection to the traditions and culture that is cherished by many.

Variations of the surname Plotnik

Plotnik is a generic Jewish surname derived from the Yiddish word ‘plotnik’ which means ‘carpenter’. It may have originated from a profession in carpentry but may have also derived from a place name or a reference to someone’s quality or occupation. Plotnik may be used simply as a name or as a patronymic in which case it could indicate a relationship with someone named Plot.

Variants of the surname Plotnik include Plot, Plotnick, Plotnicki, Plottnik and Plottniker. Spellings of the same origin include Plattnik, Plottnik and Plotznik.

Surnames of the same origin include Plotkin, Plotzkin, Plotsky, Plotsker and Plotskevitz. Spellings of these surnames are Plotzker, Plotzkin, Platski, Plottzky and Plotzkovsky.

Some of these surnames may be derived from place names instead of a reference to someone’s profession. For example, Platzki may have come from the Polish name of the town of Ploski, while Plotsky could have been derived from the Polish name Plonsk.

Plotnik is a very common and widespread surname with variants and surnames of the same origin being found all over Eastern Europe and beyond. It is unclear exactly when this surname originated, but it has been in use in some form for at least several centuries.

Famous people with the name Plotnik

• Danielle Plotnik: actress
• Susanna Plotnik: former journalist and social media expert
• Leah Plotnik: illustrator and author
• Ellen Plotnik: Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist
• Neal Plotnik: lawyer and businessperson
• David Plotnik: academic and author of numerous books
• Joel Plotnik: former diplomat to the United Nations
• Jim Plotnik: former president of the American Psychological Society
• Timothy Plotnik: international chess master
• Steven Plotnik: award-winning film composer

Other surnames

Plotner