What is the origin of the last name Hornec?

The surname "Hornéček" (or "Hornec") is of Czech origin. It derives from a geographical name meaning "from Horní Čekánov," a village located in the Pardubice region of the Czech Republic. This village was first mentioned in historical records around the 14th century, and it's plausible that the surname began to be used during or shortly after this period. However, it's important to note that the exact origins can vary based on individual family histories.
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Learn more about the origin of the last name Hornec

The meaning and origin of the last name Hornec

The surname Hornec is of Slavic origin, more specifically from the region that encompasses modern-day Croatia, Bosnia, Serbia, and Montenegro. It is derived from the Slavic word "horn" which means "horn" or "corner." This surname could have originally been a topographic name for someone who lived near a corner, junction, or turning point in a road, or it might be an occupational name for someone involved in horn-making. The spelling variations of this name include Hornek, Hornec, Hornić, and others, reflecting the regional dialects and historical changes in name recording over time. The distribution of the Hornec surname is primarily found in these Slavic regions today but has also dispersed due to migration and assimilation.

Geographical distribution of the last name Hornec

The surname Hornec has its roots primarily in Eastern Europe, notably in Slovakia and the Czech Republic, due to historical migrations and settlement patterns. A significant number of people bearing this last name can be found in these countries. However, the distribution extends beyond this region, with smaller populations found in neighboring countries like Poland, Hungary, and Austria. In addition, there have been reported instances of individuals with the Hornec surname in other parts of Europe, North America, and Australia, primarily as a result of emigration during the 20th century. The exact number and geographical spread of people with this name can vary depending on the source, but it is safe to say that the majority reside in Central Europe.

Variants and spellings of the last name Hornec

The surname Hornec can have several variations due to spelling differences, regional dialects, or transcription errors. Some of these variants include: Hornac, Hornick, Hornek, Hörner, Horné, Horneaux, and possibly others depending on the specific language or culture. Additionally, there may be misspellings such as Hornes, Horneck, and Hornice. It's essential to note that these variations can appear across different countries, making it challenging to determine exact origins without further information.

Famous people with the last name Hornec

Notable individuals with the surname Horner include:

1. George Horner (1864-1937), an American geologist who made significant contributions to the study of Precambrian rocks and fossils, particularly in the western United States.

2. William Horner (1786-1837), an English mathematician who developed Horner's method, a numerical technique for solving polynomial equations.

3. Dwayne Horner (born 1958), an American country music songwriter and guitarist, best known for his work with Reba McEntire and George Strait.

4. Jean-Baptiste Henri Lacordaire (often referred to as Horner, his mother's maiden name) (1802-1861), a French Jesuit priest and theologian who was one of the leading figures in the Roman Catholic Church during the Second Vatican Council.

5. William F. Horner (1933-2022), an American physicist known for his work on fluid dynamics, particularly turbulence modeling and aerodynamics. He worked extensively with NASA on various spacecraft designs.

Genealogical research on the last name Hornec

The surname Hornec originates from various European regions, primarily France and Poland, with some scattered occurrences in other countries as well. In France, the name can be traced back to the region of Brittany, where it is derived from a local topographic name for someone who lived by a hill or mound known as "horn" in Breton dialect. In Poland, the name is believed to have originated from the occupational name "Horacz" or "Horniak", meaning blacksmith or ironworker. The Hornec family may have migrated during various historical periods, such as the Hundred Years' War or the Partitions of Poland, which might explain its presence in countries like Germany, the United States, and Canada. Notable figures bearing this surname include Nicolas Hornec, a French musician, and Jan Hornec, a Polish military officer.

Last name distribution maps

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NomOrigine Team
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.

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