Surname Zajac - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'Z'
Zajac: What does the surname Zajac mean?
The surname "Zajac" is a Polish or Slavic variation of the English name "Jack," which, in turn, derives from the name "John." It is most prevalently found in Poland, Slovakia, and Belarus.
Stemming from old word families, the origin of the name is though to come from the Hebrew word "yochanan" meaning "God is gracious" or "gift of God". The association to John has endured over time and is believed to remain a valid and relevant representation to those with the surname.
The surname often appears as "Zajacz" or "Zajaczek" to emphasize the Polish or Slavic herritage of the name. This practice remains frequent and is commonly used to honor the people behind the name.
As a result of the common usage and ties to a popular name in English-speaking nations, the name is recognized in many places around the world. It carries with it associations of courage, faith, and modesty, drawing many to embrace the name with an appreciation for its history.
Those with the last name of Zajac are a part of an extended family of Johns and Jacks with a long and honorable history. The name continues to rise in popularity and be recognized as a distinct tribute to those with ancient ties to the Hebrew faith.
Order DNA origin analysisZajac: Where does the name Zajac come from?
The last name Zajac is most common in the Slavic countries, particularly Poland, Slovakia, and Czech Republic.
In Poland, it is the 23rd most common surname with over 136,000 people having that last name. In Slovakia, Zajac is the 28th most common surname, with over 23,000 people with that last name. In the Czech Republic, it is the 24th most common surname, with over 24,000 people with that last name.
In Ukraine, the last name Zajac is relatively rare. It is estimated that less than 500 people with the last name Zajac reside in Ukraine.
In the United States, the last name Zajac is fairly rare. The surname was first recorded in America in the mid-1800s when immigrants from Poland and Slovakia began to arrive. The number of people in the United States with the last name Zajac is estimated to be between 8,000 and 10,000.
In Canada, the last name Zajac is also fairly rare and restricted mainly to the provinces of Alberta and Ontario. A majority of Canadians with the last name Zajac trace their lineage back to immigrants from Poland and Slovakia.
Overall, the last name Zajac is most commonly found in the Slavic countries of Poland, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic. It's also found in small numbers in the United States and Canada.
Variations of the surname Zajac
The surname Zajac is of Slavic origin. It is a patronymic name derived from the Slavic personal name Zajec, which is derived from zajec, an Old Polish word meaning “hare” or “rabbit”. Variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin for Zajac include Zajacz, Zayac, Zayak, Zajack, Zajaczek, Zajaczyk, Zajicek, Zajic, Zajick, Zayaczek, and Zajkowski.
In Croatia and Bosnia, the surname is spelled as Zajic, with variants such as Zajacic and Zajcek. In other Slavic countries such as Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus, they are spelled as Zayak or Zayac. In Slovakia, the surname is spelled as Zajac, with variants including Zayacová, Zajko, and Zajková.
In Poland, the most common variant is Zając, with variants Zajączek, Zajkowski, and Zajkowski. In Hungary, the surname is spelled as Zajacs, with variants Zajicz, Zajecz, and Zajika. In the Czech Republic, the surname is spelled as Zajíc, with variants Zajiccik, Zajíček, and Zajicck.
In the United States, the most common variant is Zajac, with variants such as Zajack, Zajcin, Zajec and Zayac. In Australia, the most common variant is Zajac, with variants such as Zayac and Zajek. In Canada, the most common variant is Zajac, with variants such as Zajck, Zajaczek, and Zayack.
In Germany, the surname is spelled as Zajbach, with variants such as Zajbacher, Zajbachr, and Zajbacht. In Austria, the surname is spelled as Zayach, with variants such as Zayah and Zajah. In Switzerland, the surname is spelled as Zajec, with variants such as Zajik and Zayik.
In most Roman Catholic churches, the surname is spelled as Zajac, with variants such as Zajacz and Zajcz. In Jewsih families, this surname is often spelled as Zayach or Zayech.
Famous people with the name Zajac
- Petr Zajac: Czech professional ice hockey defenseman who currently plays for HC Kometa Brno of the Czech Extraliga.
- William T. Zajac: American bishop in the Roman Catholic Church who served as Auxiliary Bishop of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Chicago from 1994 to 2010.
- Božena Zajac: Czech operatic soprano who performed mainly in Europe during the 1950s and 1960s.
- Pamela Zajac: American artist, author, and filmmaker from Los Angeles, California, best known for her short films.
- Toby Zajac: British professional freestyle motocross rider who competes in the Red Bull X-Fighters World Tour.
- Fr. Julius Zajac: Polish-American priest who served as Pastor of Transfiguration Parish, in Glendale, California.
- Heather A. Zajac: American professor of Chemistry at the University of Florida.
- Coach Brian Zajac: American college basketball coach who currently serves as an associate head coach for the Robert Morris Colonials men's basketball team.
- Michal Zajac: Slovak professional ice hockey centre who currently plays for HC Kosice of the Slovak Extraliga.
- Jennifer Zajac: Canadian television personality who was the winner of the 2006 Miss Universe Canada beauty pageant.