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Last Name Afinovicz

What is the origin of the last name Afinovicz?

The surname Afinovicz is of Slavic origin, more specifically, it's Polish-Lithuanian. It is a variant of the original Polish and Lithuanian surname "Afoniewicz" or "Afanasievich." These names are derived from the personal name Afanasy, which is a variant of the Greek name Theodosius (meaning "given by God"). Over time, variations in spelling have arisen due to factors such as transliteration and local dialects.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Afinovicz

The meaning and origin of the last name Afinovicz

The surname Afinovicz is of Slavic origin, specifically from Eastern Europe, most notably Poland, Belarus, and Ukraine. The name is derived from various patronymic or occupational names that evolved over time. "Afinovicz" can be a derivative of the given name Afanasy, which means "God's graciousness" in Russian, or it could also be associated with professions such as 'afisernik,' a printer in Old Slavonic languages. As with many Slavic surnames, Afinovicz may have originated from a geographical location named after a local landmark or physical feature. The spelling variations of this name, such as Afanowicz, Afinowitch, and others, are due to transcription errors and changes over centuries of migration and record-keeping.

Geographical distribution of the last name Afinovicz

The surname Afinovicz has its roots in Eastern Europe, particularly Poland and Lithuania, with significant concentrations found in these regions historically. Migratory patterns in the late 19th and early 20th centuries led to the dispersal of individuals bearing this name to other parts of the world, notably the United States and Canada. In the US, the highest concentrations of Afinovicz can be found in urban areas with large Polish immigrant populations, such as Chicago, Detroit, and New York. Similarly, in Canada, cities like Toronto and Winnipeg have significant Afinovicz populations due to migration from Eastern Europe. While the distribution is predominantly in these regions, the globalization of society has led to the spread of the surname Afinovicz to other parts of the world as well.

Variants and spellings of the last name Afinovicz

The surname Afinovicz may have various spellings due to differences in transcription and transliteration over time and across different languages. Here are some possible variations:

1. Afinowicz
2. Afanovich
3. Afonowicz
4. Affenowitz
5. Afinovic
6. Afinowitch
7. Afanowitsch
8. Afonovitsj
9. Affenowitzsch
10. Afinowitza
11. Afanowitsj
12. Afonowica

These variations may stem from differences in the way the name was pronounced or written down in different regions, as well as changes over time due to language evolution and cultural influences. It is essential to note that these variations might not necessarily be interchangeable or used equally frequently.

Famous people with the last name Afinovicz

Afinovicz is an uncommon surname, and the most notable individuals bearing this name include:

1. John Afinowicz (born 1948), American musician who has played bass for various artists, including Joan Baez and Lou Reed.
2. Dariusz Afanasjewitsch Afinogenow (1935-1997), a Soviet Russian ice hockey player of Polish descent, who won two Olympic gold medals and was inducted into the International Ice Hockey Federation Hall of Fame.
3. Alex Afinogenov (born 1980), a Russian professional ice hockey player who played in the National Hockey League for teams such as Buffalo Sabres and Detroit Red Wings. Although he was born in Russia, his family name is of Polish descent like Afinogenow.

Genealogical research on the last name Afinovicz

The surname Afinovicz is believed to have originated from Poland and Ukraine, where it appears as a variant of the Polish-Ukrainian name Afoniewicz. The name can be traced back to the late Middle Ages in Poland and later in Ukraine during the 18th century, when the region was under Polish rule. In Ukraine, it is often spelled with different variations such as Afonovych or Afonin, reflecting regional dialects and historical shifts. The name's etymology is derived from the Slavic given name Afanasii, which means "immortal" or "invincible." Notable figures bearing this surname include Polish-Ukrainian painter Aleksander Afinogenow (1896–1973) and Ukrainian writer Oleksandr Afinogenov (1905–1982).

Last name distribution maps

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Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 31 July 2025

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