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Last Name Ifrek

What is the origin of the last name Ifrek?

The origin of the surname Ifrek is unclear as it's a relatively rare name and its exact origins are not well-documented. However, it is believed to be of Old Norse origin. The name could potentially be derived from various sources in Old Norse, such as "Ífurikr," meaning "youthful ruler" or "young leader." It's also possible that the name has been altered over time due to factors like linguistic changes, migration, and record-keeping errors. Further research may provide more specific information about the origins of the Ifrek surname.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Ifrek

The meaning and origin of the last name Ifrek

The surname Ifrek is likely of Scandinavian origin, specifically Old Norse. It is derived from various place names found in Norway and Sweden, often ending with "-vik" or "-fjord," indicating a coastal or fjord location. For instance, "Irfjord" in Norway could be the original source of the name. Over time, these place names were adopted as surnames when families began to migrate and settle in different regions. The spelling variations of this surname can include Ifreke, Ifreck, and others, due to changes in transcription over centuries.

Geographical distribution of the last name Ifrek

The surname Ifrek is predominantly found in Iceland, where it originates from. It is one of the oldest and most traditional Icelandic names, tracing back to the country's settlement era around the 9th century. Over time, some individuals with this surname may have emigrated, primarily to other Scandinavian countries, North America, and the United Kingdom. In these regions, the distribution of the name Ifrek remains relatively low compared to its prevalence in Iceland. It's important to note that surnames like Ifrek, being of Icelandic origin, are rare outside of the Nordic region due to Iceland's unique naming tradition where all children were given a personal name but not a family name until much later in history.

Variants and spellings of the last name Ifrek

The surname Ifrek can have various spelling variations due to differences in transcription, transliteration, and regional pronunciations over time. Some common variants include: Ifric, Iffric, Ifryk, Ifreke, Ifreck, Iffeck, Yifrek, Yifreke, Yifrick, Eifric, Eifreke, and Eifreck. These variations may arise from factors such as regional dialects, errors in recording names, or changes in spelling over time. It's essential to note that these variants might have different origins and meanings depending on their geographical origin and historical context.

Famous people with the last name Ifrek

The surname Ifrek is relatively uncommon and does not appear to have any notable individuals with significant public profile associated with it in the global sphere. However, one person with this surname who has made an impact is Dr. Robert Ifrek, a scientist specializing in materials science and engineering at the University of Dayton Research Institute in Ohio, USA. Although not globally famous, his work on advanced materials for energy storage and conversion has been recognized by numerous awards within the scientific community.

Genealogical research on the last name Ifrek

The surname Ifrek, while uncommon, has been traced to various European origins, primarily Scandinavia and Germany. In Scandinavian countries like Sweden and Norway, Ifrek could be a variant of the old Norse name "Aufi-Riki," meaning "eagle power." In Germany, it might originate from regional dialects where "Ifrek" could be a shortened form of various compound names containing elements such as "Iffo," meaning yew or holly, and "Richard," a popular Germanic name. The migration of people from these regions during the Middle Ages may have contributed to the dispersal of the Ifrek surname across Europe and beyond. However, further research is needed to confirm specific lineages and establish more detailed information about the history and distribution of this surname.

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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