The surname Petek has roots in several Slavic-speaking regions, including Croatia and Slovakia. The name is derived from a given name, "Pete", which is a shortened form of various Slavic names such as Petar (Peter) or Pavel (Paul). In some cases, the surname may also be a variant of the Polish and Czech surnames Pěták, meaning 'dice player' in reference to a game played with dice. It's important to note that last names can have multiple origins and meanings depending on specific regional variations or historical factors.
Learn more about the origin of the last name Petek
The meaning and origin of the last name Petek
The surname Petek is primarily of Slavic origin, specifically from Eastern Europe, particularly Croatia, Serbia, Bosnia, and Montenegro. It is a patronymic name derived from the male given name Peta or Petar, which translates to Peter in English. Over time, it evolved into various forms such as Petekovic, Petkovich, and Petkovski, among others, depending on regional variations and migrations. The surname Petek signifies a person with a familial connection to someone named Peta or Petar.
Geographical distribution of the last name Petek
The surname Petek is primarily distributed across several regions, with significant concentrations observed in Turkey and its neighboring countries due to their shared cultural and historical backgrounds. Within Turkey, it is most prevalent in the Black Sea region, particularly in cities like Trabzon, Rize, and Samsun, reflecting a strong regional concentration. The name also appears among the Turkish diaspora in countries such as Germany, Austria, and the Netherlands, indicating migration and dispersal over time. Additionally, Petek can be found in Bulgaria, due to historical ties with Turkey, as well as in Slovenia and Croatia, suggesting possible Slavic origins of the name. Overall, the geographical distribution of the surname Petek highlights its roots in the broader Turkic and Balkan regions, with notable concentrations in the Black Sea region and among the Turkish diaspora.
Variants and spellings of the last name Petek
The surname Petek has various spelling variants due to differences in transliteration and regional dialects. Some common versions include: Pettek, Petec, Peteck, Pettke, Petekh, Petick, Petic, Petik, Petych, Petjak, and Petjack. These variations can be found across different countries, with the original form likely originating from Central Europe or Eastern Europe. It is a patronymic surname derived from the given name Piotr (Peter in English), indicating that it was originally used as a hereditary name for the son of Peter.
Famous people with the last name Petek
Prominent individuals named Petek include:
1. Ahmet Petek, a Turkish Cypriot politician who served as Minister of Foreign Affairs and Deputy Prime Minister of Northern Cyprus from 2013 to 2018.
2. Deniz Petek, a Turkish actress known for her roles in popular Turkish TV series such as "Kara Sevda" (Black Love) and "Ask Laftan Anlamaz" (Love Doesn't Understand Reasons).
3. Muharrem Petek, a Kurdish politician who served as the co-chair of the Democratic Regions Party (DBP) in Turkey.
4. Murat Petek, a Turkish volleyball player who played for various clubs in Turkey and abroad, including Galatasaray, Perugia, and Ziraat Bankasi.
5. Serkan Petek, a German former footballer who played as a midfielder for clubs like Bayer Leverkusen and Schalke 04. He also represented the Germany national team at Under-21 level.
Genealogical research on the last name Petek
The surname Petek is predominantly of Slavic origin and is found among populations in Eastern Europe, particularly Croatia, Bosnia, and Serbia. The name is derived from the personal name Peta or Petar, which means rock or stone in Slavic languages. In Croatia, the surname Petek is most commonly found in the regions of Dalmatia, Lika, and Kordun. It is also a common name among Croats who migrated to other parts of the world, such as the United States, Australia, and Canada. Notable individuals with the last name Petek include Ivica Petek, a former Yugoslav handball player, and Ivan Petek, a Croatian footballer. In genealogical research, variations of the surname may include Petač, Petačić, Petak, Peteković, and Petičić.
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 :
Share the origin of your last name with your friends
The last name "Petachinski" is of Polish origin and is likely derived from the place name "Pietrachin." This surname is believed to have originated as a locational surname, indicat...
The surname Petalas likely has Greek origins. In the Greek language, "petalas" translates to "petal" or "leaf." It is possible that the surname was derived from a location name, oc...
The surname Petar is of Croatian and Serbian origin. It is derived from the given name Petar, which is the equivalent of Peter in English. This name is ultimately of Greek origin a...
The surname "Pete" has multiple possible origins and variations. It can be of English, Irish, Scottish, or Welsh origin.
1. English: In English, "Pete" is a variant of the surnam...
The surname "Peteers" is of English origin, derived from the given name Peter, which is a common Christian name meaning "rock" or "stone" in Greek. It was brought to England by the...
The last name "Petelo" is of Samoan origin. It is a common surname in Samoa and is believed to have originated from the Samoan language. The name may have different meanings or int...
The surname Pétén is primarily associated with Guatemala and has indigenous Mayan roots. Specifically, it is derived from the Maya word "Peten" which means "deep water" or "swamp...
The surname "Petenon" is of French origin. It is believed to be a variant of the surname "Pétenon," which is a locational name derived from the place called "Pettonville" in Franc...
The last name "Baksh" is of Indo-Aryan origin, specifically coming from the Indian subcontinent. It is a common surname among people of Indian descent.
The last name "Chege" is of Kikuyu origin from Kenya. It is believed to be a common surname among the Kikuyu people, who are the largest ethnic group in Kenya.
The last name Ndondi is of African origin, specifically from the Bantu languages. It is a surname commonly found in various countries in Africa, such as Kenya, Tanzania, and Camero...
The last name "Peter Sebastian" is of English and German origin. "Peter" is a common given name of Greek origin meaning "rock" or "stone," while "Sebastian" is derived from the Lat...
The last name Petera likely has its origins in Eastern European countries such as Poland, Czech Republic, or Slovakia. It is derived from the given name Peter, which is a common Ch...
The surname Petereit is of German origin. It is derived from the given name Peter, which comes from the Greek name Petros meaning "rock" or "stone". The suffix "-eit" is a common G...
