Last Name Bika

The surname Bika has origins that can be traced to several regions due to its varied uses in different languages and cultures. 1. One possible origin is from the Basque region in Spain and France, where it could be a variation of names like Bikarra or Bikartza. These names have their roots in the Basque language and may signify a person from a place called Bikara or Bikartzaga. 2. In some Slavic countries, Bika is a diminutive form of the female given name Bianka or a patronymic derived from the male name Bik or Bikovich. 3. It's also found in Africa, particularly among the Kikuyu people in Kenya, where it could be an abbreviation or shortened version of a traditional Kikuyu name. 4. In the Polynesian language, "bika" means "pigeon," so it might have been used as a surname for someone who had a pet pigeon or lived near a place where many pigeons were found.

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The meaning and origin of the last name Bika

The surname Bika is of Finnish origin, primarily found in Finland and among Finnish diaspora communities. It's an occupational name derived from the word "pikku," which means "little" or "small" in Finnish, and a trade or occupation related to that term. Historically, it may have been used for someone who was involved in a small-scale version of a specific profession. In some cases, it could also be a locative name from various places named Bika or Pikku-Bika in Finland. The surname Bika has several spelling variations due to translation errors and regional dialects, such as Beeka, Becka, or Bikka.

Geographical distribution of the last name Bika

The surname Bika is predominantly found in regions of West Africa, particularly in countries such as Nigeria and Cameroon. In Nigeria, it is most common among the Igbo people, a major ethnic group in the southeastern part of the country. In Cameroon, it is mostly prevalent among the Bamiléké and Bassa populations. Additionally, smaller clusters of individuals with the surname Bika can be found in other African countries such as Togo, Benin, and Gabon. Outside Africa, there are pockets of people carrying the name Bika in Europe, particularly in France and Belgium due to migration, though their numbers are significantly less compared to their presence in West African countries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Bika

The surname Bika has several variations and spellings due to differences in transliteration and regional pronunciations. Some common variants include Beeka, Biekka, Byka, and Bjyka, which may be found in different parts of the world. These variations arise from factors such as historical spelling conventions, migration patterns, and cultural influences. Additionally, a similar-sounding name, Vika or Vikaa, might occasionally be confused with Bika, particularly if the original pronunciation has been lost over time or influenced by local dialects. It is essential to note that these variations do not necessarily indicate a different origin of the surname; they simply represent different ways it has been recorded or pronounced in various contexts.

Famous people with the last name Bika

Notable individuals with the surname Bika include:

1. Lasse Bjorklund-Bika (b. 1982), a Finnish professional ice hockey player who has played for several teams, including HIFK and Jokerit, in the Finnish Liiga.

2. Toni Bika (b. 1993), a Swiss footballer who currently plays as a defender for FC Zürich and the Switzerland national team. He has also represented his country at various youth levels.

3. Risto Bika (b. 1970), a Finnish former footballer who played as a midfielder, most notably for FC Jazz, KuPS, and FC Haka. He also earned caps for the Finland national team.

4. Anna-Maria Biká (b. 1986), a Hungarian tennis player who has competed on the WTA Tour since 2007. She reached her career-high singles ranking of world No. 53 in October 2011.

5. Nikolaos Bika (b. 1948), a Greek politician and former member of the Hellenic Parliament for the New Democracy party from 2004 to 2007. He served as a Minister without portfolio from June 2004 until March 2005.

Genealogical research on the last name Bika

The Bika surname originates from Finland and is associated with the Tavastia region. One of the earliest known records of the Bika family dates back to the late 16th century. Notable members include Matti Bika, who served as a lieutenant in the Finnish army during the Great Northern War in the early 18th century. The Bikas were traditionally farmers and laborers, with some branches migrating to urban areas during the industrialization period. The name may derive from a topographical origin, referring to someone who lived near a swamp or marsh (in Finnish, "bikku"). Variations of the surname include Bicka, Bicca, and Biika. DNA research suggests a possible connection between the Bika family and other Scandinavian families with similar origins.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "bika"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

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 : 30 July 2025

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