Surname Zoufal - Meaning and Origin
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Zoufal: What does the surname Zoufal mean?
The last name Zoufal is of Czech origin, typically found within the Czech Republic. The name likely derives from the term ‘zoufalý’, meaning ‘desperate’ or ‘hopeless’. Historically, the family name was connected to the ancient Bohemian tribe, members of which were known as the ‘Zoufales’.
In more modern times, the Zoufal name has been associated with artisan and craftsmanship trades, many generations of the family having been in business as cobblers, tailors, and knitters. This history of the family’s work has been documented as far back as the 15th century.
Today the name is still held in great regard in the Czech Republic. There is a small village in the region of Plzen, located 80 kilometers southwest of Prague, which bears the name “Zoufal”. The name is thought to represent the qualities of hope and belief associated with the legendary Zoufales of old.
While the name Zoufal might not be so common in other parts of the world, within the Czech Republic it is well respected and carries with it a rich sense of heritage and respect.
Order DNA origin analysisZoufal: Where does the name Zoufal come from?
The last name Zoufal is a rare surname with origins in the Czech Republic. It is not very common and mostly found throughout the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and parts of the former Czechoslovakia region. In the United States, however, it is not thought to be very common.
The name Zoufal is believed to have derived from a word meaning “shepherd” so it is likely that he or she was of agricultural background. Today, most people with the last name Zoufal are found within their homeland. They may also live in other areas of Europe, including Germany, Austria, and Poland. It is very likely that this name migrated to the United States, but it is not widely spread.
It is probable that people with the last name Zoufal can be traced back to some of the earliest Czech settlers who traveled to America in the 19th century. However, very few records of these people and their descendants remain today. It is likely that some people of Czech descent living in the United States have the last name Zoufal, but it is certainly not common.
In conclusion, the last name Zoufal is very rare, especially outside of the Czech Republic. It is unclear how many people in the United States have this last name, or how widely spread it may be. Despite this, it is possible to trace the Czech heritage of the Zoufal surname and its early European roots.
Variations of the surname Zoufal
The surname Zoufal is a Czech family name of uncertain origin and spelling variants, with spellings being Zoufala, Zufal and Zufala. It is a rare name, derived from Czech Zoufalý which stands for being 'melancholic'. It is thought to have been borne by a person of a melancholic disposition. The surname is common in Southern Moravia, and is also found in Slovakia.
Zoufal is a derivative of Czech "zoufalý", which translates to "crying" or "melancholic" in English. It was likely given to an individual with a gloomy or pessimistic personality. The name is also thought to have originated from German, where it could have come from the root word "zoufel" which means "grave", "sorrowful", or "melancholy".
The alternative spellings may be the result of dialectal variation or the ‘Flemish’ dialect in which the name was spoken. The origin is unknown, but the surnames Zufal and Zufala suggest Flemish origin.
In the Czech Republic, the surname Zoufal may be encountered in several different variants stemming from its numerous grammatical forms, including Zoufala, Zoufalá, Zoufalí, Zoufalík and Zoufale. Similarly, in Slovakia, the surname is commonly found as Zufal, Zufala, and Zufalova. Variants like Zoufac or Zoufacek also occur. In the United States, variants of this surname can also include Zufalk, Zupal, Zufall, and Zupalla.
In Germany, the cognate Zufall (also spelled ZuFall) is encountered, as is Zufal in Austria. In Hungary, the surname is known as Zussfalvi, and is derived from Zsúfályi which translates as "Sorrowful".
In short, the surname Zoufal has many variants, spellings, and cognate surnames which can be encountered throughout Central Europe. It is likely derived from Czech or German, and the variants in other countries could have come about due to alternative phonetic spellings, the dialect spoken in the region, or even migration.
Famous people with the name Zoufal
- Vintcer Zoufal: real estate investor and founder of the Aalto Ventures firm
- Štepán Zoufal: Czech goalkeeper for the Usti nad Orlici football club
- Cyril Zoufal: Czech musician and composer
- Eric Zoufal: American actor and stuntman
- David Zoufal: Czech doctor and researcher
- Petr Zoufal: Czech engineer and entrepreneur
- Jan Zoufal: Czech lawyer and professor
- Michal Zoufal: Czech historian and author
- Vojtěch Zoufal: Czech politician and former member of the European Parliament