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Last Name Nerad

What is the origin of the last name Nerad?

The surname Nerad is of Slavic origin, specifically Czech and Slovak. It is derived from the given name Něrad, a Slavic personal name consisting of the elements "ner" (meaning "grace") and "-ad" (a common Slavic diminutive suffix). This surname can be found in Central Europe, particularly among populations of Czech and Slovak descent. However, it's important to note that the exact origin can vary based on individual family histories.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Nerad

The meaning and origin of the last name Nerad

The surname Nerad is a Slavic name, originating from several Eastern European countries such as Czechia, Slovakia, and Poland. It is derived from the Slavic personal name "Narod" or "Narodil," which means "born." Over time, this personal name evolved into a surname in various Slavic-speaking regions. In some cases, it may also be a topographic name for someone who lived near a grove or clearing (in Czech and Slovak, "nerad" can mean "unplowed field"). As with many surnames, the spelling and pronunciation of Nerad can vary based on regional dialects and historical recording practices.

Geographical distribution of the last name Nerad

The surname Nerad has its origins in Slavic countries, particularly in the Czech Republic and Slovakia, where it is most prevalent. It is a patronymic name derived from the given name Neřada, which means "peace" or "calm." In the Czech Republic, Nerad is ranked among the top 500 most common surnames. Outside of Slavic regions, the name has also been found in small numbers in other parts of Europe and North America, likely due to immigration from these regions. The name's distribution reflects the historical migration patterns of people from Czechoslovakia, especially during the 19th and early 20th centuries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Nerad

The surname Nerad has several variations and spelling differences across different regions and languages. Some common variants include: Nera, Neřád, Něrad, Nyrard, Nyraed, Nyarad, Njaraad, Njyraad, Nyarat, Nyraadh, and Nerath. These variations may be due to differences in pronunciation, transliteration, or the influence of other languages. For instance, the Czech form is Neřád, which can be transliterated into English as NeRad, Ne Rad, or even Neraad. Similarly, the Slovenian form could be transliterated as Nyraed or Njaraad. The exact spelling can depend on the specific region, family history, and personal preference.

Famous people with the last name Nerad

Notable individuals with the surname Nerad include:

1. Mary Nerad (born 1946), an American former NASA astronaut who flew on two Space Shuttle missions in the 1980s. She was the first woman to serve as Chief of the Astronaut Office.

2. Paul G. Nerad (1933-2015), an American geophysicist and professor at the University of Colorado Boulder. He made significant contributions to seismology, tectonophysics, and planetary science.

3. Miroslav Nerad (born 1962), a Croatian football coach who managed several professional clubs in Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina. He also served as the head coach of the Bosnian national team.

4. Marjan Nerad (born 1935), a Slovenian mathematician known for his work on algebraic number theory, diophantine approximation, and continued fractions. He was elected a member of the Slovenian Academy of Sciences and Arts in 2008.

These individuals have made significant contributions in various fields, including space exploration, geophysics, football coaching, and mathematics.

Genealogical research on the last name Nerad

The surname Nerad originates from various regions, primarily Czechoslovakia and Croatia, suggesting a dual Slavic heritage. In Czechoslovakia, it is derived from the personal name "Nerad" which translates to "unwilling" or "reluctant". The surname has been recorded in Bohemia since the 14th century, with notable bearers like Jan Nerad, a prominent Bohemian poet and humanist in the 16th century. In Croatia, Nerad may also originate from the place name Nerad, located near Zagreb. The surname Nerad can be found among Croatian immigrants in the United States and other countries, with notable figures such as Frank Nerad, an American football player who played for several NFL teams. Thus, the Nerad lineage extends across Central Europe and has diasporic roots in North America.

Last name distribution maps

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Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
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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