Last Name Guralnick

The surname Guralnick is of Ashkenazic Jewish origin, derived from the Yiddish word "gurale" meaning "rooster." It was likely a nickname given to someone who resembled a rooster or had some association with one. In the Middle Ages, European Jews often adopted occupational names, patronymics, or nicknames as surnames for practical reasons such as identification in legal documents and tax records.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Guralnick

The meaning and origin of the last name Guralnick

The surname Guralnick is of Jewish origin, specifically Ashkenazi, and is derived from the Yiddish word "gurale" meaning "porcupine." This name was often given to individuals with certain physical characteristics or occupations that were likened to a porcupine. The name's origins can be traced back to Eastern Europe, particularly Russia and Poland, where many Jews bore this surname due to the tradition of adopting occupational or descriptive names. Over time, as Jewish families migrated worldwide, the surname Guralnick spread, becoming a part of various cultural and linguistic contexts.

Geographical distribution of the last name Guralnick

The surname Guralnick is predominantly of Jewish origin and has its roots in Eastern Europe, particularly Poland, Russia, and Ukraine. According to various genealogical databases, a significant number of individuals with this surname are found in the United States, Israel, Canada, and other countries that have historically welcomed Jewish immigrants. In the U.S., the highest concentrations are in New York, Florida, California, and Texas, reflecting the influx of Eastern European Jews in the late 19th and early 20th centuries during periods of mass immigration. In Israel, the surname is also common, particularly in urban areas like Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. Overall, while Guralnick is not among the most common surnames globally, it does have a noticeable presence in certain Jewish communities worldwide.

Variants and spellings of the last name Guralnick

The surname Guralnick has several variations and spellings due to differences in transliteration, regional dialects, and personal preference. Some common variants include Guranick, Guranik, Guranick, Gouralnick, Gouranick, Gouranik, Goranick, Goranik, and Guronick. These variations may stem from differences in how the name was originally pronounced or written, as well as changes over time due to migration and assimilation. It's important to note that these variations can be found across different cultures and countries, suggesting a diverse history for this surname.

Famous people with the last name Guralnick

Peter Guralnick and Barry Guralnick are two notable individuals bearing the surname Guralnick.

Peter Guralnick, born in 1947, is an acclaimed American author and journalist. Known for his work on American roots music, he has authored several books, including "Sweet Soul Music" and the two-volume biography of Elvis Presley, titled "Last Train to Memphis" and "Careless Love." These works have earned him multiple awards and recognition in the literary world.

Barry Guralnick, on the other hand, is a professor of philosophy at Tufts University. He has made significant contributions in the fields of metaphysics and ethics, with his work often centered around questions of truth, time, and personal identity. His book "The Structure of Time" is well-regarded within academic circles.

Both Peter and Barry Guralnick have distinguished themselves in their respective fields, leaving a lasting impact on music, literature, and academia.

Genealogical research on the last name Guralnick

The surname Guralnick is of Eastern European Jewish origin, specifically from the Ashkenazi community. It is a variant of the more common Jewish surnames Gurarick or Gurarik, which are derived from the Yiddish word "gurar" meaning 'butcher.' The surname Guralnick first appeared in Germany and Poland during the Middle Ages. Notable individuals with this last name include Leonard Cohen, a renowned Canadian musician, poet, and writer; Steve Guralnick, an American film and television composer; and Larry Guralnick, an American politician. The Guralnicks have been documented as settling in various regions throughout Europe and North America during the 19th and early 20th centuries, including Russia, Germany, Poland, and the United States. Genealogical research on the Guralnick family can be traced through records such as census data, vital statistics, immigration documents, and synagogue registers.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Guralnick"
• 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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