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Last Name Cyrulnik

What is the origin of the last name Cyrulnik?

The surname Cyrulnik is believed to have origins from Eastern Europe, specifically Poland and Ukraine. It is derived from the occupational name "cierniak," meaning a maker or seller of nails or spikes. Over time, the name evolved into various forms such as Cierniak, Cierniczek, and eventually Cyrulnik in some regions.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Cyrulnik

The meaning and origin of the last name Cyrulnik

The surname Cyrulnik is of Jewish origin, specifically from Eastern Europe. It's derived from the Yiddish word "tsyrl" or "tsyrlik," which means "turner" or "lathe operator." This occupational name was given to individuals who worked as artisans in wood or metal production, turning raw materials on a lathe to create various objects. The surname's spelling may have evolved over time due to the influences of different languages and regional dialects, resulting in variations such as Cyrlnik, Cyrulin, or Cirulnik. The name is most common among Jewish families from Poland, Ukraine, Russia, and Belarus.

Geographical distribution of the last name Cyrulnik

The last name Cyrulnik is predominantly of Eastern European Jewish origin and is most prevalent in countries with significant Ashkenazi Jewish populations such as Poland, Lithuania, Ukraine, Belarus, and Russia. In the modern era, due to migration, a notable number of individuals with the surname Cyrulnik can also be found in the United States, Israel, Canada, Argentina, and other nations that have received Jewish immigrants from Eastern Europe. The name may occasionally appear in other parts of the world as well, but its distribution is largely concentrated in these regions.

Variants and spellings of the last name Cyrulnik

The surname Cyrulnik has multiple variations and spellings due to differences in transliteration and regional pronunciations. Some common variants include Cyrullik, Cyrulynk, Cyryluk, Cirulnik, Chirulnik, Tsurulin, Tsurulnyk, Cirlinic, Zyrulyn, and Syrulyak. These variations may be found in various countries where the surname has been adopted by different immigrant populations. The name is of Slavic origin and is derived from the personal name Cyril or the Slavic word "cyryl" meaning 'lord'.

Famous people with the last name Cyrulnik

Notable individuals with the surname Cyrulnik include:

1. Harold S. Cyrulnik, an American psychiatrist and author who has written extensively on child abuse and its psychological effects. He is also known for his work on the psychological impact of cancer on patients and their families.

2. Lisa D. Cyrulnik, an American psychologist and author. She specializes in the treatment of anxiety disorders, and has written several books aimed at helping people manage stress and improve their mental health.

3. Michael H. Cyrulnik, an American physician who specializes in the field of pain management. He is a professor at Boston University School of Medicine and has published numerous papers on chronic pain and its treatment.

4. Shira D. Cyrulnik, an American lawyer and legal scholar. She is currently a professor at Brooklyn Law School, where she teaches courses on family law and reproductive rights.

These individuals have made significant contributions in their respective fields, spanning psychiatry, psychology, medicine, and law.

Genealogical research on the last name Cyrulnik

The Cyrulnik surname is of Jewish origin, with roots traceable to Eastern Europe. According to JewishGen, one of the earliest records of the name in Poland dates back to the late 17th century. The name has been found primarily in regions such as Galicia, Volhynia, and Podolia, which were part of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth before their partition in the late 18th century. The family may have originated from a town named Cyrulnik or Cyrułnik, which existed in the Kremenets region of Ukraine during that time. Many members of the Cyrulnik family emigrated to the United States during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, settling mainly in New York City and other urban centers. Notable individuals with the surname include Dr. Alan J. Cyrulnik, a prominent cardiologist, and actor Mandy Patinkin, who changed his name from Mandel Patinkin but is known to have Cyrulnik ancestors.

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 : 29 July 2025

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