Last Name Jurca

The surname Jurca has roots in various Eastern European countries, particularly Poland, Ukraine, and Russia. It is derived from a Slavic given name, "Jurij" or "Georgii," which means farmer or earth worker in Greek. Variations include Jurczak, Jurczyk, and Jurczynski, among others. The name became widespread after the Christianization of Eastern Europe in the Middle Ages and has been common in several Slavic countries ever since.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Jurca

The meaning and origin of the last name Jurca

The surname Jurca is of Slavic origin, primarily found among Eastern European populations such as Ukrainians, Russians, and Romanians. It is derived from various sources, but one common explanation suggests it originates from a geographical location or a personal name. In some instances, the surname could have been based on the word "jur" meaning "forest" in Old Slavic language. Another possibility is that it may have originated from the personal name Jurko or Georgi, which are common names in Eastern Europe. Over time, variations of the name have emerged due to spelling errors, cultural influences, and migration patterns, such as Jurcek, Jurczyk, Jurczak, Jurčo, Jurčák, and Jurčina, among others.

Geographical distribution of the last name Jurca

The surname Jurca has its roots primarily in Eastern Europe, particularly in Ukraine and Slovakia. According to various genealogical databases, it is most commonly found in these regions. In Ukraine, it's particularly concentrated in the west, notably in the Lviv and Ivano-Frankivsk oblasts, areas that were once part of Galicia, a region with a strong Ukrainian and Polish cultural influence. In Slovakia, the Jurca surname is prevalent in the southern regions, such as Banská Bystrica and Košice. Smaller populations can also be found in the Czech Republic, Poland, Hungary, Romania, and Russia. The diaspora of people with this surname has led to its presence in other parts of Europe and the Americas, particularly the United States, where it is most common in states like New York, Pennsylvania, and Ohio.

Variants and spellings of the last name Jurca

The surname Jurca has several variations and spellings due to differences in transcription and translation over time. Some common variants include Jura, Jyurka, Jurkiewicz, Jurko, Jurkovich, Jurkovic, Jurkovsky, Jurkoe, Jurkae, Jurczyk, and Jurczak. These variations can be found among people of diverse ethnicities, but they are most commonly associated with Central European ancestry, particularly in regions such as Poland, Slovakia, Czech Republic, Ukraine, and Hungary. It is essential to note that the correct spelling may vary depending on specific family histories and regional dialects.

Famous people with the last name Jurca

Notable individuals with the surname Jurca include:

1. Alexei Jurczak (born 1984), Polish professional footballer who played as a defender for clubs such as Legia Warsaw and Widzew Łódź. He represented Poland's national team as well.

2. Zoltan Jurcha (1905-1965), Hungarian painter known for his figurative and abstract works that showcase a unique blend of surrealism and realism.

3. Maria Juraco (born 1942), an American actress who has appeared in numerous films, television shows, and on stage since the late 1960s, including roles in "The Godfather Part II" and "A Face to Die For."

4. Michael Jura (1872-1957), a Czech-American composer, conductor, and pianist who was the first conductor of the New York Philharmonic Symphony Orchestra and wrote over 300 works.

These individuals have made significant contributions to various fields, including sports, art, acting, and music.

Genealogical research on the last name Jurca

The surname Jurca is primarily of Slavic origin and is common among Eastern European populations, particularly in Poland, Ukraine, Slovakia, and Czech Republic. The name is derived from the personal name Jur or Georg, which means "farmer" or "earth worker" in Old Slavonic languages.

Historically, variations of the name include Jurczak, Jurczyk, Jurčo, Jurček, Jurčina, Jurka, and others due to regional dialects and spelling modifications over time. The name was brought to North America by immigrants from these regions in the 19th and early 20th centuries, primarily to the United States and Canada.

Notable individuals with the surname include Roman Jurka, a Slovak footballer, and Jaroslav Jurča, a Czech musician. Genealogical research on the name Jurca may uncover a rich cultural history and migration patterns from Eastern Europe to the New World.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Jurca"
• 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 : 28 July 2025

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