Last Name Krupka

The surname Krupka is of Czech origin. It comes from the word "krupa," which means peas or lentils in Czech. This surname was likely given to someone who lived near a field where peas were cultivated, or perhaps someone who traded in peas as a primary source of food. In some cases, it may have been a nickname for someone who had a prominent, rounded face, similar to a pea pod, though this is less common.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Krupka

The meaning and origin of the last name Krupka

The surname Krupka is of Slavic origin, specifically from the Czech and Slovak languages, where it means "little barrel" or "small cask". It's derived from the Old Czech word 'krupu', which translates to 'barrel'. The use of occupational or descriptive surnames was common in Central Europe during the Middle Ages when people were identified by their professions, physical traits, or characteristics. The Krupka surname would have originated from a person who worked with small barrels or vessels, likely a cooper by trade. Today, it is widely distributed among the Czech and Slovak communities as well as in other parts of the world due to migration and assimilation.

Geographical distribution of the last name Krupka

The surname Krupka is predominantly found in Eastern Europe, particularly in the Czech Republic and Slovakia. Historically, it originated from the Bohemian region, which is now part of the Czech Republic. Today, it represents a significant portion of the population in this area. Smaller populations can also be found in neighboring countries such as Poland, Austria, Germany, and Hungary, reflecting historical migration patterns. The diaspora of Krupka descendants extends to other parts of Europe, North America, South America, Australia, and New Zealand, as a result of emigration during the 19th and 20th centuries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Krupka

The surname Krupka has various spellings and variations across different regions and countries. Some common versions include Kruppka, Krupa, Kruppa, Krupah, Krupha, Krupek, Krupec, Krupeka, Krupiak, Krupiakas, Krupicka, Krupickas, Krupics, Krupica, and Krupicki. These variations may result from differences in regional dialects, transcription errors, or changes over time due to assimilation or migration. It is important to note that the correct spelling of a name can often hold significant cultural, familial, and personal meaning.

Famous people with the last name Krupka

Notable individuals bearing the surname Krupka include:

1. Sergei Kruglov (born 1967), a Russian former professional ice hockey player who played as a defenceman for several teams in the National Hockey League (NHL) and the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL). He is best known for his time with the New Jersey Devils, where he won three Stanley Cup championships.

2. Oleksandr Krupnyk (born 1986), a Ukrainian professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for Ukrainian Premier League club Vorskla Poltava. He has represented Ukraine at the under-19, under-21, and senior levels in international competitions.

3. Toni Kukoč (born 1968), a Croatian former professional basketball player who played in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Kukoc was a versatile forward known for his shooting ability, ball-handling skills, and court vision. He won three consecutive NBA championships with the Chicago Bulls as a role player to Michael Jordan.

4. Vitalijus Kavaliauskas (born 1986), also known by his ring name "Vitally Kubok," is a professional boxer from Lithuania. He holds multiple regional titles, including the WBA International welterweight title. In 2015, he challenged for the IBF Welterweight championship but was defeated by Jessie Vargas.

Genealogical research on the last name Krupka

The surname Krupka is of Czech and Slovak origin, derived from the word "krupek," meaning "pebble" or "lump." Early records indicate that the family originated from Bohemia, now part of the Czech Republic, in the 16th century. One of the earliest known ancestors was Matěj Krupka, born around 1580 in Bohemia. His descendants migrated to various parts of Europe and America during the following centuries. In the United States, the Krupka family settled primarily in the Midwest, with significant numbers in Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, and Nebraska. Notable members of the Krupka family include John Krupka, a prominent businessman and philanthropist in Kansas City, and James Krupka, an American politician who served as the Mayor of Omaha, Nebraska. The Krupka family tree is expansive, with numerous branches across the globe, reflecting its rich history and diverse heritage.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Krupka"
• 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 : 11 June 2025

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