Last Name Piela

The surname Piela has origins that can be traced back to several European countries. In Poland, it is believed to have derived from a topographic name for someone who lived by a peat bog or marsh, from the Polish word "piętra," meaning peat. In Germany, it could potentially originate from the Middle High German word "pila," meaning millstone or mill, indicating that the original bearer of this surname may have worked at a mill. However, these are just theories and the exact origin might vary depending on specific family histories. It's also possible for surnames to be changed over time due to various factors such as migration, linguistic assimilation, or clerical errors. For a more accurate account of the origin of a particular Piela family, researching genealogical records and consulting with a professional genealogist may provide more specific information.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Piela

The meaning and origin of the last name Piela

The surname Piela is primarily of Polish origin. It is derived from various topographical names, indicating someone who lived near a body of water or a peat bog. The name could be traced back to the word "piętra," which means "rock" or "stone," and could also refer to someone living by such a place. Alternatively, it might stem from the word "piele," meaning "liver," suggesting that an early bearer of this surname may have been involved in butchery or leather work. Over time, the spelling variations of Piela include Piola, Pioła, and others due to linguistic changes and family migrations.

Geographical distribution of the last name Piela

The surname Piela is primarily distributed across Eastern Europe, with significant concentrations in Poland and Belarus. In Poland, it is most prevalent in regions such as Masovia, Lesser Poland, and Silesia. In Belarus, the name is common in areas like Vitebsk and Grodno. Smaller numbers of individuals with this surname can also be found in other Eastern European countries like Lithuania, Ukraine, Russia, and Czech Republic, likely due to historical migration patterns. Additionally, there are some instances of Piela in the United States, Canada, and Australia, suggesting dispersal from Eastern Europe to these regions during periods of immigration.

Variants and spellings of the last name Piela

The surname Piela has several variations and spellings due to differences in pronunciation, transliteration, and local spelling conventions over time and across geographical regions. Here are some possible variants:

1. Piela - This is the most common spelling based on Polish origin, where it derives from the occupational name Piłat (from Latin pilatus) or Piłka (meaning ball).
2. Pilia - A variation of the surname, often found among people with Polish ancestry who may have anglicized their name during immigration.
3. Pila - An alternative spelling that can be found in some genealogical databases and records.
4. Piola - This is an Italian variant of the surname, likely derived from a different origin or meaning compared to the Polish version.
5. Peela/Peelah - Possible adaptations of the name when pronounced with a soft 'a' sound instead of the hard 'a' in Piela.
6. Pylia/Pyla - Hypothetical misspellings or transcription errors that might occur due to confusion with similar-sounding words or names.

Famous people with the last name Piela

Notable individuals with the surname Piła include:

1. Kazimierz Piłat (1874-1941), a Polish Roman Catholic prelate who served as Archbishop of Warsaw and Primate of Poland from 1936 until his arrest by the Germans during World War II. He was later martyred in the Auschwitz concentration camp.

2. Kazimierz Piłat (1847-1915), a Polish military officer who served as the Chief of Staff of the Imperial Russian Army during the Russo-Japanese War and was one of the architects of the disastrous Second Manchurian Campaign.

3. Paweł Piłat (born 1970), a Polish actor, film director, screenwriter, and musician who is best known for his role as Michał Krajewski in the TV series Klan. He has also directed films such as "Jestem" and "The Art of Loving".

4. Janusz Piłat (1928-2018), a Polish Roman Catholic prelate who served as Bishop of Toruń from 1992 until his retirement in 2005. He was known for his work in promoting dialogue between Catholics and the Jewish community, particularly in relation to the Holocaust.

These individuals have made significant contributions in various fields such as religion, military, acting, and film directing.

Genealogical research on the last name Piela

The surname Piela is primarily of Polish origin, derived from various locations named Piła in Poland. One of the earliest recorded instances of this surname can be traced back to the 13th century, with the establishment of Piła County in western Poland. Over the centuries, the name has spread across several regions due to migration and settlement patterns. The Piela family is known for its notable members in various fields, such as military, politics, and academia within Poland. Notable figures include Jan Pięta Piela (1742-1813), a Polish nobleman and military officer during the Partition of Poland, and Kazimierz Pieła (1896-1975), a prominent Polish painter. The genealogy of the Piela family is richly documented in various archives and genealogical databases within Poland.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Piela"
• 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 : 28 July 2025

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