Last Name Pasternak

Learn more about the origin of the last name Pasternak

The meaning and origin of the last name Pasternak

The surname Pasternak is of Russian and Polish origin, derived from the word "pastern" which refers to the part of a horse's leg between the fetlock and hoof. It is believed to have originally been an occupational surname for someone who worked with horses or in a related field. The name may have also been given to someone who owned horses or had characteristics associated with the animal, such as strength, agility, or loyalty. The surname Pasternak is quite common in Eastern Europe, particularly in Russia and Poland, where horses have historically played a vital role in agriculture and transportation. The name may have also been Jewish in origin, particularly among Ashkenazi Jews, who often adopted surnames based on their occupations or physical traits.

Geographical distribution of the last name Pasternak

The last name Pasternak is most commonly found in Eastern European countries such as Poland, Ukraine, and Russia. In these regions, the name is often of Jewish origin and may have originated from occupations related to the pasturing of animals or from the word for pasture or grazing land. Due to historical factors such as migration and immigration, the name Pasternak can also be found in other countries with significant Eastern European populations, such as the United States, Canada, and Israel. In these countries, individuals with the last name Pasternak may have ancestral ties to Eastern Europe or have adopted the name through marriage or other means. Overall, the geographical distribution of the last name Pasternak is indicative of its Eastern European roots and the dispersion of its bearers throughout the world.

Variants and spellings of the last name Pasternak

The last name Pasternak can be found spelled in various ways across different regions and cultures. Some variations include Pasternack, Pasternac, Pasternacki, Pasternackas, and Pasternakov. In Eastern European countries like Poland, Russia, and Ukraine, the name may be spelled as Pasternak or Pasternakovich. In some cases, the name may also be Anglicized to Pasternack or Pasternacky. The surname Pasternak is derived from the Polish word "pasternak," which means parsnip, and was likely used as an occupational surname for someone who grew or sold parsnips. Despite the various spellings, these variations of the surname all trace back to the same origins and are used by individuals with a shared ancestry.

Famous people with the last name Pasternak

Boris Pasternak was a well-known Russian poet and novelist, best known for his novel "Doctor Zhivago," which won him the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1958. His work was often criticized by the Soviet government for its anti-communist themes, leading to the novel being banned in the Soviet Union. Pasternak's writing was influential in highlighting the struggles and complexities of life in Russia during the turbulent years of the early 20th century. Another famous individual with the last name Pasternak is Joe Pasternak, a Hungarian-born American film producer who was known for producing a number of successful musical films in Hollywood during the mid-20th century. Joe Pasternak worked with some of the biggest stars of the time, including Judy Garland and Elvis Presley, and his films were popular for their blend of music, romance, and comedy.

Genealogical research on the last name Pasternak

The surname Pasternak is of Polish and Ukrainian origin, derived from the word "pastern" which means "hoof" in Polish. The name can be traced back to the Jewish community of Eastern Europe, particularly in areas such as Poland, Ukraine, and Russia. The Pasternak family may have been farmers or worked with horses, hence the association with the word "hoof". Variations of the surname include Pasternack, Pasternak, and Pasternatsky. One famous individual with the last name Pasternak is Boris Pasternak, the Russian poet and novelist who won the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1958. Genealogical research on the Pasternak family may reveal connections to other individuals with the same surname and shed light on their ancestral roots in Eastern Europe.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Pasternak"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

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.
Last updated : 11 April 2025