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Last Name Panek

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What is the origin of the last name Panek?

The surname "Panek" is of Czech origin. It is derived from the word "panenka," which means "young girl." In some instances, it may be a diminutive form of the given name Pavla or Pavel (both meaning "small" or "humble"). The name Panek is most commonly found among people in the Czech Republic and other Central European countries.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Panek

The meaning and origin of the last name Panek

The surname Panek originates from Czechoslovakia, a Slavic-speaking region now divided into the countries of the Czech Republic and Slovakia. The name is a diminutive form of the word "Pán" which means "lord" or "master" in Czech and Slovak languages. Over time, this surname has been anglicized to Panik, Paneck, and other variations as families with this name migrated to different parts of the world, particularly Western Europe and North America. The surname Panek is relatively uncommon outside of the Czech and Slovak communities but is still a notable part of their cultural heritage.

Geographical distribution of the last name Panek

The surname Panek is primarily concentrated in Central Europe, particularly within the Czech Republic and Slovakia, where it ranks among the top 2,000 most common surnames. A significant number of individuals with this last name can also be found in neighboring countries such as Poland, Austria, and Germany, as a result of historical migration patterns. Additionally, smaller populations of Panek family descendants reside elsewhere globally due to emigration over centuries, with notable communities in the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

Variants and spellings of the last name Panek

The surname Panek has several variations and spellings across different regions and countries. Some common spelling variations include Paneck, Panec, Panekke, Pank, Panka, and Pannak. These differences can be attributed to factors such as regional dialects, transcription errors over time, and individual family preferences. The name is of Slavic origin, with the root 'panek' or 'panecky' meaning 'loaf of bread' in Czech and Slovak. It is most commonly found in Central Europe, particularly among people of Czech, Slovak, Polish, and Ukrainian descent. Despite these variations, all versions share a connection to the Slavic linguistic and cultural heritage.

Famous people with the last name Panek

Notable individuals with the surname Panek include:

1. **Rudolf A. Panek** (1926-2007): An American astronomer who worked at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, where he contributed to several Mars missions and the exploration of the outer solar system.

2. **Miroslav Panek** (born 1954): A Czechoslovakian astronaut and cosmonaut who flew aboard Soyuz TM-8 in 1988, becoming the first Czechoslovakian to travel to space. He also served as a member of the Czech Senate from 2010 to 2014.

3. **Jaromír Panek** (born 1955): A Czech former football player and manager who played for clubs such as Dukla Prague, Slavia Prague, and Baník Ostrava in the Czechoslovak First League during the 1970s and 1980s. He was also part of the Czechoslovak national team.

4. **Markéta Paneková** (born 1986): A Czech former tennis player who reached a career-high singles ranking of world No. 25 in 2013 and won two WTA doubles titles. She represented the Czech Republic at the Fed Cup.

These individuals have made significant contributions to various fields, including astronomy, politics, sports, and tennis.

Genealogical research on the last name Panek

The surname Panek originates from Bohemia, a historical region in present-day Czech Republic. It is derived from the occupational name for a baker or someone who worked with bread, from the Czech word 'panec', meaning loaf of bread. The earliest recorded instance of the surname can be traced back to the late Middle Ages, around the 14th century. Throughout history, people bearing the Panek surname have been found in various regions across Bohemia, Moravia, and Silesia. Notable figures include František Josef Panek, a Czech politician who served as the Minister of Justice during the short-lived Second Republic, and Jan Panenka, a renowned professional footballer. The Panek family can also be found in diaspora communities, particularly in North America, due to migration during the 20th century.

Last name distribution maps

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NomOrigine Team
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.

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