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Last Name Opolka

What is the origin of the last name Opolka?

The surname Opolka likely has Slavic origins. It is believed to be of Polish or Czech origin, derived from the word "Opole," which is the name of several towns and cities in Poland and the Czech Republic. The surname could have originated as a topographic name for someone who lived in or near one of these locations. Alternatively, it could have been a habitational name for someone who came from Opole or one of the surrounding areas.

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Learn more about the origin of the last name Opolka

The meaning and origin of the last name Opolka

The surname Opolka is of Polish origin and is derived from the word "opolk," which means a small settlement or hamlet in Old Polish. It is believed to have been used as a surname to denote someone who lived in or near such a settlement. The name Opolka can also be linked to the town of Opole in southern Poland, which was an important center of trade and commerce in the medieval period. Over time, individuals with the surname Opolka may have migrated to other regions of Poland or even to other countries, spreading the surname to different parts of the world. Today, Opolka is a relatively rare surname, with most individuals bearing it likely having ancestral ties to Poland or regions with a significant Polish diaspora.

Geographical distribution of the last name Opolka

The surname Opolka is relatively uncommon and primarily found in Poland. It is most prevalent in the regions of Silesia and Mazovia, where the name has been documented for centuries. Within Poland, cities such as Warsaw, Krakow, and Wroclaw have notable concentrations of individuals with the Opolka surname. Outside of Poland, the surname can also be found in smaller numbers in countries such as Germany, Austria, and the United States, often as a result of migration patterns or historical ties between these countries and Poland. Overall, the geographical distribution of the last name Opolka is relatively limited, with the majority of individuals bearing this surname residing in Poland.

Variants and spellings of the last name Opolka

The last name Opolka may also be spelled as Opalka, Opoka, or Opolko. Variations of the name may include Opolka, Opoka, Opalka, Opolko, Opolky, Opalky, Opokka, and Opolk. These variations may stem from translations or phonetic interpretations of the original surname, often influenced by regional dialects or historical spelling changes. Each variation retains some similarity to the original Polish surname, Opolka, which is derived from the word "opol" meaning "settlement." The variations and spellings of the last name Opolka may be found in records, documents, and family histories throughout various regions where individuals with this surname have lived or migrated over time.

Famous people with the last name Opolka

There are no famous people with the last name Opolka that are widely recognized in popular culture or history. The name Opolka is not a common or well-known surname, and therefore there are no notable figures who have achieved fame or recognition with this last name. It is possible that there may be individuals with the last name Opolka who have made contributions to their respective fields or communities, but they are not widely known outside of their circles. Overall, the Opolka name does not have the same level of recognition or association with fame as other more common surnames.

Genealogical research on the last name Opolka

The last name Opolka is of Polish origin and is believed to be derived from the Polish word "opolanka," which means a person from Opole, a city in southwestern Poland. The surname Opolka is relatively rare and has a limited presence in genealogical records. Research on the Opolka family history may involve tracing back through historical documents such as birth, marriage, and death certificates, census records, immigration and naturalization records, as well as church and land records in Poland. Individuals with the last name Opolka may have roots in the Opole region or may have migrated to other countries over the centuries. Further research into the Opolka family tree could provide insight into their ancestral origins, migration patterns, and historical connections within the wider Polish community.

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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