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Last Name Opelka

What is the origin of the last name Opelka?

The last name Opelka is of Czech origin. It is derived from the personal name Oplik, which is a diminutive form of the name Oplác, meaning "lover of peace" or "one who seeks peace". It is a relatively common surname in the Czech Republic.

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Learn more about the origin of the last name Opelka

The meaning and origin of the last name Opelka

The surname Opelka is of Czech origin and is derived from the Czech word "opat," meaning abbot. It is believed to have originally been an occupational name for someone who worked in or around a monastery. The name may also have been given to someone who acted as a steward or overseer of monastery lands. Over time, the name Opelka has evolved into a hereditary surname that is passed down from generation to generation. Today, individuals with the surname Opelka can be found primarily in the Czech Republic and other nearby Slavic countries.

Geographical distribution of the last name Opelka

Opelka is a surname of Polish origin that is most commonly found in the United States. It is rare in Poland and other European countries. The highest concentration of individuals with the last name Opelka can be found in the state of Illinois, followed by Texas and Florida. There are also smaller populations of Opelkas in California, New York, and Pennsylvania. The surname is less common in the Midwest and on the East Coast. Overall, Opelka is a relatively uncommon surname with a limited geographic distribution, primarily within the United States.

Variants and spellings of the last name Opelka

The last name Opelka can be spelled as Opelka, Oppelka, Opalka, and Opelca. These variations may occur due to misspellings, phonetic differences, or regional differences in pronunciation or transcription. Despite these variations, they all refer to the same surname and are used to identify individuals belonging to the Opelka family. It is important to note these different spellings when searching for records or information related to individuals with the last name Opelka to ensure accurate results.

Famous people with the last name Opelka

The most famous people with the last name Opelka include Reilly Opelka, an American professional tennis player who reached a career-high ranking of World No. 19 in singles and won his first ATP Tour title in 2020. Another notable figure is Michael Opelka, an American radio host and political commentator known for his work on TheBlaze Radio Network and his appearances on various conservative talk shows. Additionally, Adam Opelka is recognized in the art world as a contemporary painter and sculptor whose works have been exhibited in galleries across the United States. These individuals have contributed to their respective fields and have achieved recognition for their talent and achievements.

Genealogical research on the last name Opelka

The last name Opelka is of Polish origin and is believed to be derived from the name of a village in Poland called Opole. The Opelka family is known to have a long history in Poland, with records showing the name appearing in various historical documents and records dating back several centuries. The surname Opelka is not very common outside of Poland, indicating a strong connection to the region. Genealogical research on the Opelka name may reveal a lineage of individuals who have lived in Poland for many generations and possibly have ties to a specific region or historical events in the country. Further exploration of church records, census data, and other historical documents may provide more insight into the Opelka family history.

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 : 11 April 2025

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