What is the origin of the last name Kolai?

The last name Kolai is of Polish origin. It is derived from the personal name Koli, which is a diminutive form of the name Nikolaus, a variation of Nicholas. The name Nicholas is derived from the Greek name Nikolaos, which means "victory of the people."

Learn more about the origin of the last name Kolai

The meaning and origin of the last name Kolai

Kolai is a surname that is of Polish origin. It is derived from the Polish word "kolac" which means "to beg" or "to ask for alms". The surname was likely originally used to describe a beggar or someone who relied on charity for their livelihood. In Poland, surnames were often derived from a person's occupation, physical characteristics, or behaviors, and the surname Kolai is no exception. Over time, the surname may have evolved to represent someone who was known for their humility or reliance on others for support. Today, individuals with the surname Kolai can be found in various parts of the world, but its origins lie in Poland and its meaning reflects a historical context of poverty and reliance on charity.

Geographical distribution of the last name Kolai

The last name Kolai is most commonly found in Pakistan, particularly in the Sindh province. It is a relatively rare surname, with a concentration in the urban areas such as Karachi and Hyderabad. The name may also be found in other regions of Pakistan, but in smaller numbers. Outside of Pakistan, the surname Kolai is less common, with scattered populations in other South Asian countries such as India and Bangladesh. Some individuals with the last name Kolai may have migrated to Western countries such as the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom for work or education purposes. Overall, the geographical distribution of the last name Kolai is primarily centered in Pakistan, with smaller populations in neighboring countries and overseas.

Variants and spellings of the last name Kolai

The last name Kolai can have a few variations and spellings. Some common variations include Collai, Kolei, Kolay, and Kollai. These variations may differ due to regional accents, immigration patterns, or simply personal preference when it comes to spelling. The name may also be spelled with a different ending, such as Kolais or Kolae, depending on the linguistic background or cultural traditions of the family. Additionally, the name may have been Anglicized or altered over time, resulting in variations like Kohlai or Kolaye. Despite the different spellings and variations, the name Kolai likely carries the same meaning and history, serving as an important part of a family's identity and heritage.

Famous people with the last name Kolai

I'm sorry, but there are no famous people with the last name "Kolai" that I am aware of. It is possible that there may be individuals with this surname who have achieved recognition in certain fields or regions, but they are not widely known on a global scale. If you have more specific information or context about a particular individual with the last name "Kolai" in mind, I may be able to provide more relevant information or details.

Genealogical research on the last name Kolai

The last name Kolai is relatively uncommon and appears to have origins in Poland. The name may be derived from the Polish word "kola" which means "wheel" or "circle", suggesting that individuals with this surname may have been associated with wagon wheels or circular objects. Research on the genealogy of the Kolai name reveals that individuals with this surname are primarily found in regions of Poland and may have ancestral ties to the country. The name may have variations in spelling and pronunciation over the years, making it important to consider alternate spellings in genealogical research. Further exploration into historical records, such as census data, birth and marriage records, and immigration records, may provide more insight into the origin and migration patterns of individuals with the last name Kolai.

Last name distribution maps

Chargement de la carte...

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.

Last updated :

Share the origin of your last name with your friends

Search the origin of a family name

Enter the surname you are looking for below:

Similar Last Names