Last Name Peskin

The surname Peskin is primarily of Jewish origin. It comes from several possible sources within Judaism, but it is most commonly traced back to Eastern Europe, specifically Poland and Russia. One theory suggests that it derives from the Yiddish word "pesk," meaning "lice" or "flea." This could have been a nickname for someone who was particularly plagued by these pests, although this interpretation is somewhat speculative. Another theory traces the name to the Russian toponym Peskino, which refers to a settlement by a peat bog or marshy area. It's possible that this name might have been given to someone who lived near such an area or whose family hailed from one of these settlements. Regardless of its specific origins, the surname Peskin is now found among Jewish communities across the world, reflecting the diaspora and migration patterns of Jews throughout history.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Peskin

The meaning and origin of the last name Peskin

The surname Peskin is of Jewish origin, derived from the Yiddish word "Pesach," which translates to Passover in English. It was often given as a nickname for someone born during the Jewish holiday of Passover or as a way to honor the holiday's significance. Over time, these nicknames were passed down through generations, becoming hereditary surnames. The name is most common among Eastern European Jews but can also be found among Ashkenazi Jewish communities worldwide. It is important to note that while many Jewish surnames have religious or historical origins, the exact meaning or origin of a specific surname may not always be definitively known due to the loss of records during times of persecution and migration.

Geographical distribution of the last name Peskin

The surname Peskin has its roots primarily in Eastern Europe, particularly Russia and Ukraine, with significant concentrations also found in Belarus and Lithuania. Due to historical migrations, a notable number of people with the last name Peskin can be found in Israel as well, reflecting the Jewish diaspora. In more recent times, there have been migrations from these regions to other parts of the world, leading to smaller but noticeable communities of Peskins in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand. The distribution of the name Peskin is thus predominantly in Eastern Europe and Israel, with diaspora communities found in various countries around the globe.

Variants and spellings of the last name Peskin

The surname Peskin has several variations and spellings, reflecting its origins and usage across different regions. Some common spelling variants include: Peaskin, Peskine, Paskin, Peascock, Pescovitz, Piscin, Pescoe, and Pessachoff. The name is of Jewish origin, derived from the word "Pesach," which means Passover in Hebrew. It is most commonly found among Ashkenazi Jewish families, who originate from Eastern Europe. The name's variations may arise due to transliteration differences, regional dialects, and changes over time. Despite these variations, the surname Peskin retains its distinctive character and historical significance within Jewish communities.

Famous people with the last name Peskin

Notable individuals with the surname Peskin include:

1. Richard Peskin (born 1948), an American mathematician and professor at Stanford University, who has made significant contributions to mathematical physics, particularly in the field of quantum chaos.
2. Michael Peskin (born 1950), also an American physicist, known for his work on particle physics and quantum field theory, including contributions to the Standard Model of particle physics.
3. Lila Karp Peskin (1941-2018), an American mathematician who made significant contributions to the field of differential geometry, particularly in the study of minimal surfaces.
4. Robert E. Peskin (born 1950), an American theoretical physicist and professor at Northwestern University, known for his work on quantum chaos and condensed matter physics.
5. David M. Peskin (1937-2016), an American computer scientist, pioneer in the field of artificial intelligence, and founder of the AI research company IntelliCorp.

These individuals have made significant contributions to their respective fields and continue to be influential figures in mathematics, physics, and computer science.

Genealogical research on the last name Peskin

The surname Peskin has roots originating from Eastern Europe, particularly Poland and Russia. Early records show that the name was initially spelled as "Piskin" or "Peschkin," which are variations found in Russian and Polish regions during the 16th and 17th centuries. One of the earliest recorded bearers of this name is Yakov Peskin, who resided in the village of Slutsk in modern-day Belarus during the late 1700s. As Jewish families began migrating westward to escape religious persecution and pursue economic opportunities, many bearing the Peskin surname settled in various parts of Europe, including Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Russia. Notable Peskins include Samuel Peskin (1865–1937), a pioneering American neurophysiologist, and Alex Peskin (b. 1949), an influential mathematician, both of whom made significant contributions to their respective fields in the United States. Today, the Peskin family can be found worldwide, with concentrations in Israel, the United States, Canada, and Australia.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Peskin"
• 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 June 2025

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