Last Name Lesko

The surname Lesko is of East Slavic origin, particularly among Ukrainians and Poles. It is derived from the male given name Leshy, which has roots in Old Slavic language and was used to denote a forest spirit or goblin in Slavic folklore. Over time, the name Leshy evolved into surnames such as Lesko, Leszczynski, Leschinsky, etc., with variations depending on the country and region. The spread of the surname reflects the historical movements of East Slavic populations, including migrations and conquests by the Polish, Ukrainian, and Russian Kingdoms.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Lesko

The meaning and origin of the last name Lesko

The surname Lesko is of Polish and Ukrainian origins. It derives from the word "les" which means 'forest' or 'wood' in both languages, indicating that it was likely originally an occupational name for someone who lived or worked near a forest. Alternatively, it may have been a topographic name for someone who resided in a place with a significant amount of trees or woodland. The surname can be found in various spellings such as Leski, Leszko, and Leshchynskyi, reflecting the regional variations in Poland and Ukraine. The surname became more widespread during the Middle Ages, with many bearers migrating to other parts of Europe, particularly Western Europe, as a result of political changes, wars, or economic factors. Today, the Lesko surname is most common in Poland, Ukraine, and among Polish and Ukrainian diaspora communities.

Geographical distribution of the last name Lesko

The surname Lesko is predominantly found in Eastern Europe, particularly in Poland and Ukraine. In Poland, it ranks among the top 200 most common surnames, with a concentration in the southern and eastern regions, notably Silesia, Lesser Poland, and Podkarpackie. In Ukraine, it's more prevalent in the western regions, such as Lviv Oblast and Volyn Oblast. There are also notable populations of Lesko-named individuals in the United States, primarily in states with large Eastern European immigrant communities like Pennsylvania, Ohio, Michigan, and New York. Additionally, small numbers can be found in other countries where Eastern European immigration is significant, such as Canada, Australia, and Israel.

Variants and spellings of the last name Lesko

The surname Lesko has various spelling variations, reflecting different regional pronunciations and transliteration conventions. These include Lesco, Lezsko, Lysko, Lyskó, Liška, Liszkó, Łeśko, and Liesko. The name is of Polish origin, derived from the word "leś," meaning "forest" or "wood." It may be associated with individuals living near forests or wooded areas in Poland or regions with a strong Polish immigrant population. Regardless of the specific spelling, the name Lesko represents a connection to this rich cultural heritage.

Famous people with the last name Lesko

Notable individuals bearing the surname Lesko include:

1. Christina Leskie, an American actress known for her roles in television shows such as "Sabrina, the Teenage Witch" and "The O.C."
2. Mark Lesko, a former professional baseball player who played for several teams in Major League Baseball (MLB), including the Pittsburgh Pirates and Seattle Mariners.
3. John Lesko, an American politician serving as a member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives since 2015. He represents the 28th district, which encompasses parts of Allegheny County.
4. Michael Lesko, a Canadian writer and journalist who has written for publications such as The Globe and Mail and Toronto Star. His works include "The Winner's Circle" and "The Selling Machine."
5. Joseph Lesko, an American philosopher, priest, and academic who served as the John A. O'Brien Professor of Fundamental Moral Theology at Saint Vincent Seminary in Pennsylvania from 1973 to 2014.
6. Mark Lesko, a Canadian musician and songwriter known for his work with the indie rock band Stars. He has also released solo music under the name Metric Messeur.

Genealogical research on the last name Lesko

The surname Lesko originates from Eastern Europe, particularly Poland and Ukraine, where it is most prevalent. It is derived from the occupational name "leszcz" or "lesyk," which means "fir-cone picker" in Polish and Ukrainian respectively. Over time, this occupational name evolved into the modern spelling of Lesko. The first recorded instances of the Lesko surname can be traced back to the 16th century in Poland and Ukraine. Notable individuals with this surname include Franciszek Leszczynski, King of Poland from 1669 to 1672, who is often called the "Last Cossack King," and Paul Lesko, an American musician and composer known for his work in jazz and classical music. Today, Lesko is a common surname among Poles and Ukrainians worldwide, with significant populations in North America, Australia, and Western Europe.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Lesko"
• 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 : 14 June 2025

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