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Last Name Pataki

What is the origin of the last name Pataki?

The surname Pataki is of Hungarian origin. It is an occupational surname derived from the Hungarian word "patak," meaning "brook" or "stream." This surname might have originally been given to someone who lived near a brook or who worked as a water carrier or a watermill worker.

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Learn more about the origin of the last name Pataki

The meaning and origin of the last name Pataki

The surname Pataki is of Hungarian origin and is derived from the word "patak," which means "stream" or "creek" in Hungarian. It is believed that this surname was originally used to denote someone who lived near a stream or creek, or to describe someone who had a flowing or dynamic personality. The Pataki surname is common in Hungary and among Hungarian communities around the world. It is a popular surname with historical significance and can be traced back to early Hungarian settlements and migrations.

Geographical distribution of the last name Pataki

The last name Pataki is most commonly found in Hungary, where it is a relatively common surname. It is also present in neighboring countries such as Romania and Slovakia due to historical connections and migrations of Hungarian populations. In the United States, the name Pataki is less common but can still be found, particularly in areas with significant Hungarian-American communities such as New York and Ohio. Overall, the geographical distribution of the last name Pataki reflects its Hungarian origins and the diaspora of Hungarian populations throughout history.

Variants and spellings of the last name Pataki

The last name Pataki may also be spelled as Pataka, Patakey, Patakie, or Pataky. These variations may occur due to differences in regional dialects, pronunciation, or transcription errors. Pataki is a Hungarian surname that has been adapted to different languages and writing systems, resulting in these alternative spellings. Despite the variations, the core meaning and origin of the surname remain the same.

Famous people with the last name Pataki

George Pataki is one of the most famous individuals with the last name Pataki, as he served as the governor of New York from 1995 to 2006. He is known for his moderate Republican political views and for leading the state during the aftermath of the September 11th terrorist attacks. Another well-known individual with the last name Pataki is George Pataki Sr., a former Congressman from New York who served in the House of Representatives from 1945 to 1963. Both George Pataki and George Pataki Sr. have made significant contributions to their respective fields and have left a lasting impact on American politics.

Genealogical research on the last name Pataki

The surname Pataki is of Hungarian origin, and it is believed to be a variant of the name Patak, which means "stream" or "creek" in Hungarian. The Pataki family is thought to have originated in the region of Transylvania, which was historically part of Hungary. Research indicates that the Pataki surname may have noble origins, with some individuals holding titles or positions of authority in Hungarian society. Genealogical records suggest that the Pataki family has a long history in Hungary, with branches of the family spreading to different parts of the country over the years. Further research into specific individuals with the Pataki surname may reveal connections to prominent historical figures or noteworthy events in Hungarian 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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