Last Name Kafka

The surname Kafka is of Czech origin. It is derived from the Czech word "kavka," which means rooster or cockerel in English. This surname was often given to people who were born in the early morning hours, symbolizing the crowing of a rooster. Franz Kafka, the famous German-language writer, was born to a family with Jewish roots in Prague, Bohemia (now part of the Czech Republic). He is one of the most prominent figures associated with the surname Kafka.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Kafka

The meaning and origin of the last name Kafka

The surname Kafka is of Czech origin, derived from a geographical name. It is believed to have originated from the town of Kafka located in northern Bohemia, now part of the Czech Republic. The name of the town is thought to come from the Slavic word 'káfa', meaning 'coffee' or 'roasted grain'. The notable figure associated with this surname is Franz Kafka (1883-1924), a German-language writer who is widely regarded as one of the key figures in modernist literature. His works, including 'The Metamorphosis', 'The Trial', and 'The Castle', are characterized by their exploration of existential anxiety and surreal imagery.

Geographical distribution of the last name Kafka

The last name Kafka, originating from Czechoslovakia, primarily concentrates in regions with a significant Czech and Jewish population. A substantial number of individuals with this surname can be found in the Czech Republic, particularly in Prague where Franz Kafka, the renowned writer known for his works such as "The Metamorphosis" and "The Trial," was born. Outside of the Czech Republic, notable concentrations of the Kafka surname exist in Israel due to Jewish diaspora, and in other European countries with a history of immigration from Eastern Europe, such as Germany, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Additionally, small populations of individuals bearing the name Kafka can be found globally due to the influence and popularity of Franz Kafka's literature.

Variants and spellings of the last name Kafka

The surname Kafka has several variants and spellings due to differences in transliteration and transcription over time. Some of these include:

1. Kačina (Czech) - the original spelling of the name, which means "roach" in Czech.
2. Kafka (German and Yiddish) - a common variation used by some members of the Kafka family who lived in Germany and Austria.
3. Kafka-Weiss (German) - a variant used by members of the Kafka family who intermarried with the Weiss family, as in the case of Franz Kafka's uncle, Hugo Bergmann, who changed his name to Hugo Kafka-Weiss.
4. Kaphka (Hungarian) - a spelling used by Hungarians of Jewish descent who emigrated from Bohemia and Moravia to Budapest during the 19th century.
5. Kapka (Slovak) - a Slovak variation of the name.
6. Kaffka (Russian) - a possible transcription of the name into Russian, though it is not commonly used by people with this surname.
7. Cafka and Cafeka - these are likely misspellings or typographical errors of the name, although they may have been used by individuals in some contexts.
8. Kafka-Müller - a variant used by Franz Kafka's cousin, Gerhard Kafka-Müller, who was born to a Jewish mother and a Christian father in Austria-Hungary in 1870. This surname combined elements of both parents' family names.
9. Kafkier (Armenian) - an Armenian name derived from the original Czech spelling, Kačina, but with a different ending indicating patronymic relationship, as is common in Armenian naming traditions.
10. Kapka or Kapke (Ukrainian and Belarusian) - possible transcriptions of the name into these languages, although they are not commonly used by people with this surname.

Famous people with the last name Kafka

Francis Kafka, born on July 3, 1883, and Franz Kafka, who lived from July 3, 1883, to June 3, 1924, are two renowned individuals with the last name Kafka. Both were Czech writers who spent most of their lives in Austria-Hungary and Germany before the establishment of Czechoslovakia. Kafka is best known for his distinctive literary style, dark themes, and allegorical novels such as "The Metamorphosis," "The Trial," and "The Castle." Although his work was not widely recognized during his lifetime, it has since gained international acclaim and has significantly influenced modern literature. His works continue to inspire various adaptations in film, television, and theater. The Kafka family's legacy is a testament to the profound impact of their intellectual contributions on contemporary culture.

Genealogical research on the last name Kafka

The Kafka family lineage originates from Bohemia, now part of the Czech Republic. The surname Kafka is derived from a Germanic occupation name, "Kottwach," meaning "coat guard" or "watchman." One of the earliest known ancestors bearing this name was Jakob Kauffka, who lived in the late 16th century. However, it was through Franz Kafka (1883-1924), a renowned German-language writer, that the surname gained international recognition. Born in Prague, then part of Austria-Hungary, Kafka is best known for his works such as "The Metamorphosis," "The Trial," and "The Castle." His distinct literary style and exploration of existentialist themes continue to influence contemporary literature. The Kafka family's lineage extends beyond Franz, with numerous branches living in various parts of Europe and North America today.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Kafka"
• 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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