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Last Name Opoka

What is the origin of the last name Opoka?

The surname "Opoka" is of Polish origin. It is derived from the word "opoka", which means "clay" in Polish. This surname likely originated as a nickname for someone who lived near a clay deposit or worked with clay in some way.

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Learn more about the origin of the last name Opoka

The meaning and origin of the last name Opoka

The surname Opoka is of Polish origin and is derived from the word "opoka," which means "limestone" or "chalk" in Polish. This surname likely originated as a topographic name for someone who lived near a place with limestone deposits or worked in a quarry mining limestone. It is not uncommon for surnames to be derived from the landscape or natural resources in the area where an individual or family lived, providing insight into their ancestral home or occupation. The surname Opoka is a relatively rare surname in Poland but can be found in various regions of the country.

Geographical distribution of the last name Opoka

The last name Opoka is predominantly found in Poland, specifically in the southern regions such as Małopolska, Śląsk, and Podkarpackie. It is also present in small numbers in neighboring countries such as Ukraine, Slovakia, and Czech Republic. Additionally, there are some individuals with the surname Opoka scattered throughout the United States and Canada, likely as a result of immigration from Eastern Europe. Overall, the geographical distribution of the last name Opoka indicates a strong connection to its Polish origins, with a smaller presence in select parts of Eastern Europe and North America.

Variants and spellings of the last name Opoka

The variations and spellings of the last name Opoka include Opok, Opokh, Opoca, Opokaa, Opokka, Opokah, Opoca, Ophoka, Opokas, and Opokar.

Famous people with the last name Opoka

One of the most famous individuals with the last name Opoka is Stanisław Opoka, a well-known Polish journalist and editor-in-chief of the influential Catholic magazine Tygodnik Powszechny. He is recognized for his insightful commentary on social and political issues in Poland. Another notable figure is Jacek Opoka, a renowned Polish actor known for his roles in various theatrical productions and films. These individuals have made significant contributions to their respective fields and have garnered widespread recognition and respect for their work.

Genealogical research on the last name Opoka

The surname Opoka is of Polish origin, derived from the word "opoka" meaning "limestone" or "chalk." It is believed to have originated as a topographic name for someone who lived near a place where limestone was mined or used. Genealogical research indicates that the Opoka surname is most commonly found in Poland, particularly in the regions of Silesia and Lesser Poland. Variants of the surname may include Opok, Opokowicz, or Opokowiczak. The Opoka family name may have been passed down through generations, with records showing instances of individuals with the surname dating back to as early as the 17th century in Poland. Additional research into church records, census data, and other historical documents may provide further insights into the origins and lineage of the Opoka family.

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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