Last Name Fedak

Learn more about the origin of the last name Fedak

The meaning and origin of the last name Fedak

The surname Fedak is of Ukrainian and Polish origin. It is derived from the Slavic given name "Fedko," which means little fedor (a traditional Eastern European male name derived from the Greek name Theodore, meaning 'gift of God'). Over time, this personal name evolved into the surname Fedak, with variations such as Fedec, Fedyk, and others in different Slavic languages. The migration patterns of Ukrainians and Poles brought the surname Fedak to various parts of Europe and North America, where it remains a relatively uncommon but distinctive name today.

Geographical distribution of the last name Fedak

The surname Fedak is predominantly found in Eastern Europe, particularly in Ukraine and Belarus, where it originated from the Slavic region. It has also been reported in significant numbers among Ukrainian diaspora communities in countries like Canada, the United States, Australia, and some European nations such as Germany, Poland, and the Czech Republic. The distribution of this last name is generally centered around regions with a historical presence of Ukraine and Belarus, reflecting its ethnic origin. Additionally, due to various historical migrations and displacements, a smaller number of individuals bearing the surname Fedak can be found in other parts of the world as well.

Variants and spellings of the last name Fedak

The surname Fedak has various spellings and pronunciations. Some common variants include Fedack, Fiedak, Feidak, Fidak, and Vedak, depending on regional dialects and personal preferences. Each variation may have its own unique origin or historical context, reflecting the diversity of cultural influences that have shaped family names over time. While some may trace back to Eastern European roots, others might have origins in different parts of the world due to immigration and assimilation processes. It is essential to remember that these variations do not indicate any inherent differences among individuals who share the name Fedak or its derivatives.

Famous people with the last name Fedak

Notable individuals with the last name Fedak include:

1. Paul Fedak: An Emmy Award-winning television writer and producer best known for his work on shows such as "Brooklyn Nine-Nine," "The Office," and "Scrubs." He has also written for "Family Guy" and "MADtv."

2. Michael J. Fedak: A Professor of Psychology at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where he specializes in cognitive psychology and memory research. His work has been published in numerous academic journals.

3. Randy Fedak: A former professional ice hockey player who played for teams such as the New York Rangers, Pittsburgh Penguins, and Los Angeles Kings in the National Hockey League (NHL). He is now a scout for the Vegas Golden Knights.

4. Joni Marie Newman Fedak: An American artist known for her sculptures made from found objects and recycled materials. She has exhibited her work in galleries across the United States.

5. Peter M. Fedak: A Professor of Criminology at the University of Nebraska Omaha. His research focuses on the intersections of law, crime, and technology. He is also the editor of several academic journals.

Genealogical research on the last name Fedak

The surname Fedak originates from Eastern Europe, particularly in Ukraine and Poland. According to genealogical records, the name is a variant of the Ukrainian 'Fedchyk' or 'Fedkovych', meaning "descendant of Fedko". The name Fedko itself derives from the old Slavic personal name 'Vyachek', which was common among Eastern Slavs. The first recorded instances of the surname Fedak date back to the 17th century, with notable bearers appearing in historical records throughout Central and Eastern Europe. Among these include Ivan Fedak, a Ukrainian military leader who fought against the Ottoman Empire in the late 18th century. Due to historical migrations, the name also appears in North America, where it is most commonly found among descendants of Ukrainian immigrants.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Fedak"
• 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 : 10 June 2025