Last Name Bobak

The surname Bobak is of Polish and Czech origin. It comes from a diminutive form of the personal name Boguchwal, which is derived from the Old Slavic element Bogu meaning "God" and chvala meaning "praise". The name Bobak can be translated as "little God praise". In Poland, it is often associated with people from the region of Lesser Poland (Małopolska), where it has been used as a surname since the Middle Ages. In Czech Republic, it is less common but also appears to have been adopted as a surname at around the same time.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Bobak

The meaning and origin of the last name Bobak

The surname Bobak is of Polish and Czech origin, deriving from a nickname, occupation, or geographical location. It originates from the Slavic word "bob," which means "hops" in reference to someone who grew or sold hops, or it could have been used as a diminutive form of personal names that contain the element "Bog" (meaning God), such as Boguslav and Mihalobog. Alternatively, it may be a geographical name for someone from the town called Bobków in Poland or Bobkov in Czechia. The surname has variations such as Bobakowski, Bobek, and Bobák. Notable individuals with this surname include Polish-American physicist Robert Bobko and American football player Tom Bobo.

Geographical distribution of the last name Bobak

The surname Bobak has a predominant presence in Central Europe, particularly in Poland and the Czech Republic. According to the FamilyEducation database, it is one of the most common surnames in Poland, ranking among the top 100. In the Czech Republic, it also appears frequently, although not as prevalent. The name Bobak can also be found in smaller numbers in neighboring countries such as Slovakia and Germany, likely due to historical migration patterns. Additionally, there are communities with the Bobak surname in other parts of Europe and across the globe, including North America, South America, Australia, and Africa, as a result of immigration.

Variants and spellings of the last name Bobak

The surname Bobak can have various spellings and variants due to differences in regional pronunciation and transcription over time. Some common spelling variations include Bobbuck, Bobeck, Bobecki, Bobek, Bobecka (female), Bobka, Bobakova (female), Bobkowski (masculine patronymic), Bobkova (female patronymic), and Bobakowski (masculine patronymic). These variations are found across different countries and cultures where the surname may have been adopted or translated. The original Polish form of the name is most likely derived from the word "bobek" meaning 'a little goat' in Czech and Slovak languages, as well as some Slavic dialects.

Famous people with the last name Bobak

Notable individuals with the surname Bobak include:

1. Steve Bobak - An American geologist who served as a payload operations officer at NASA's Kennedy Space Center during the Apollo, Skylab, and Space Shuttle programs. He played a significant role in missions such as Apollo 17, Skylab 4, and numerous Space Shuttle flights.

2. Mary Bobak - A Canadian mathematician known for her contributions to the field of differential geometry. She has held positions at the University of Waterloo, McGill University, and the University of California, Berkeley, where she currently serves as a professor.

3. Radosław Bobak - A Polish actor who has appeared in numerous films and television series, including "The Pianist" and "Warsaw 44." He has been nominated for several awards and is considered one of Poland's most talented actors.

4. Marek Bobak - A British-Polish theoretical physicist known for his work on cosmology and dark matter. He has held positions at various institutions, including the University of Oxford and the Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton.

These individuals have made significant contributions to their respective fields and have been recognized for their achievements.

Genealogical research on the last name Bobak

The Bobak surname is of Slavic origin, derived from the Old Polish and Czech word "bobak," which means ruff or partridge. This surname is primarily found in Central Europe, particularly Poland, Czech Republic, and Slovakia.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the Bobak surname is Matyas Bobok, who lived during the 15th century in what is now modern-day Slovakia. The family migrated to other regions throughout the centuries, with notable appearances in Germany, Austria, and North America. In the United States, the Bobak family was among the Polish immigrants who settled in Pennsylvania during the 18th and 19th centuries.

Throughout history, various branches of the Bobak family have made significant contributions to their respective communities. For example, Robert A. Bobak served as a member of the United States House of Representatives for Indiana from 1965 to 1973, while Józef Bobak was a notable Polish military officer during World War II who was posthumously awarded the Knight's Cross of the Virtuti Militari.

Today, the Bobak surname remains relatively common in Central Europe and has spread across the globe through immigration waves. Genealogical research on the Bobak family continues to uncover new information about its history and notable members.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Bobak"
• 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 : 27 July 2025

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