Surname Popek - Meaning and Origin
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Popek: What does the surname Popek mean?
The last name Popek is of Polish origin and is relatively rare throughout the world. It is believed to be first found in Polish records in the 1600s when it was spelled Popek.
In Poland, the Popek name is derived from “pop”, the Polish word for “Father”. This implies that Popek was likely once a nickname for someone who was a very dutiful son, or a father figure to many.
Today, the Popek surname is still strongly associated with Polish heritage. Popeks are often found as part of the larger Polish – American or Polish – Canadian communities in North America and Oceania, but are also fairly common in Europe, particularly in Germany, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic.
The Popek name is fairly unique and to many, may signify someone who is strong and dedicated to community and family. Often, members of the Popek family are seen as confident caregivers who are loyal and dependable. It is believed that the original Popek was a sort of father-figure and mentor to many, and that this spirit still collaborates with each Popek individual today.
Order DNA origin analysisPopek: Where does the name Popek come from?
Popek is a Polish-origin surname. It is found in Poland, as well as in other countries with Slavic heritage, such as the Ukraine, Belarus, Russia, and Slovakia. The surname is also found in communities of emigrants from those countries, such as in the United States, Canada, Australia, and more.
In terms of population, it is estimated that the surname is present in approximately 8.2 million people worldwide. Poland has the highest concentration of Popek surname holders, many of whom are Roman Catholics.
In the United States, the largest concentrations of Popek surname holders are found in the states of Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Illinois. Other states with notable concentrations are California, New Jersey, New York, and Texas. Note that the numbers of Popek holders are significantly lower in those states than in Poland.
Though spread out across many countries, it has been observed that the Popek surname has maintained much of its traditional ties to Slavic cultures and Catholic tradition. Traditionally the surname is thought of to be linked to nobility in Poland, hence the reason why the name can especially be found there.
In conclusion, the last name Popek is nowadays common in Poland, as well as in the worldwide communities of descendants from Slavic countries. The United States has the largest population outside of Poland, with higher concentrations being found mostly in the Midwest and East Coast.
Variations of the surname Popek
Popek is a Polish surname dating back to the 17th century, possibly found in other Slavic countries as well. It is a patronymic and occupational name derived from the occupation of a person who produced pączki, the Polish donut. Variants of the surname include Popack, Popek, Popeck, Popclock, Popacg, Popecq, and Popek.
Popek is also a surname found in parts of the Czech Republic and other countries. Depending on the region, the surname may take on slightly different forms such as Popáček, Popaček, and Popatka.
Popek is a relatively common surname in Poland, usually found in such cities as Łódź, Kraków, and Warsaw.
Alternatively, a variation of the name may also include Popkiewicz, Popko, Popkowicz, Popkie, Popka, and Popkow. These surnames are derived from the root Popek and are usually found in Silesia and other areas of Greater Poland.
Common spellings across the two variants include Popka, Popko, Popeck, Popacg, Popek, Popeq, and Popock.
Popek is a fairly popular name across many regions, providing individuals with a unique way to express their heritage and ethnicity.
Famous people with the name Popek
- Robert Popek: former Polish swimmer who competed in the 1996 Summer Olympics.
- Maksym Popek: Ukrainian pro-boxer.
- Alexander Popek: Polish Beach Volleyball player.
- Przemysław Popek: Polish athlete who specialized in the 800 meters.
- Piotr Popek: Polish rock musician and songwriter.
- Maciej Popek: Polish film director and producer.
- Oliver Popek: German ski jumper who competed in the 2014–15 FIS Ski Jumping World Cup.
- Andrej Popek: Slovak footballer who plays as a midfielder.
- Adam Popek: Polish footballer who plays as a defender.
- Krystyna Popek: Polish ski jumper who has competed since the late 2000s.