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Last Name Pierzchala

What is the origin of the last name Pierzchala?

The surname Pierzchala is of Polish origin. It comes from the male given name Pierzchal, which is a diminutive form of the name Piotr (Peter) or Pereszczel, an Old Slavic personal name derived from the root word "peres," meaning "pear tree." The "-a" suffix in the surname Pierzchala indicates female origin. Over time, this name has undergone phonetic and orthographic changes as families migrated across Europe and eventually to other parts of the world.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Pierzchala

The meaning and origin of the last name Pierzchala

The surname Pierzchała is a Polish patronymic surname derived from the given name Perżyna (Perzyna), a variant of Perzelina or Pereślawa, which are Old Slavic female names. These names have their origins in the personal name Percoba or Perozbog, meaning "pearl" or "feather" respectively, in the early Slavic languages. The suffix "-chała" is a diminutive form commonly added to feminine names in Polish to create a patronymic surname, indicating that the original bearer was the son of a woman named Perzelina or Pereślawa. Over time, the name has been passed down through generations, with variations such as Pierzchal, Pierzchała-Nowicka, and others appearing due to spelling modifications, regional dialects, or marriage incorporating additional surnames. Today, the Pierzchała surname is primarily found among Poles, particularly those in Poland and its diaspora communities worldwide.

Geographical distribution of the last name Pierzchala

The surname Pierzchala is predominantly found in Poland, where it originates from. It is most concentrated in the historical regions of Masovia, Silesia, and Lesser Poland. Due to migration patterns, particularly during the 19th and 20th centuries, there are also significant numbers of people with this surname in the United States, primarily in states like Illinois, Michigan, and Wisconsin, which have large Polish-American communities. Smaller groups can be found in Canada, Australia, and other countries that received substantial post-World War II immigration from Poland.

Variants and spellings of the last name Pierzchala

The surname Pierzchala can be spelled and varianted in several ways due to differences in transliteration, regional dialects, and personal preferences. Some common variations include: Perzchala, Pierczchala, Pierżchała, Pierżchola, Pieržchala (in Polish diaspora), Piereschala (Ukrainian transliteration), Pierescala, Pierscala, Pierschala (Latin-based transliterations). It is important to note that the correct spelling can depend on the country and region of origin. The name Pierzchala is a Polish surname derived from the personal name Pierżoch, a diminutive of the male given name Pierząga, which means "bald one" or "the shorn".

Famous people with the last name Pierzchala

The Pierzchala surname is notably associated with several distinguished individuals across various fields. One of the most prominent is Janusz Pierzchała, a Polish politician who served as the Minister of Finance in the cabinet of Prime Minister Jerzy Buzek from 2001 to 2004. In sports, Barbara Pierzchala, born in 1985, is a renowned German swimmer who represented her country at the Olympic Games in 2004 and 2008, winning multiple medals. Additionally, Tomasz Pierzchała, a Polish composer and conductor, has made significant contributions to the world of classical music. His compositions have been performed by various orchestras worldwide. Lastly, Hanna Pierzchala, born in 1974, is a Canadian journalist and television personality who currently works for CTV News Channel. These individuals exemplify the diverse accomplishments of people bearing the surname Pierzchała.

Genealogical research on the last name Pierzchala

The surname Pierzchala, originating from Poland, is primarily associated with the Slavic and more specifically, the Polish ethnic group. The name is a variation derived from the masculine given name Pierzch, which means "leaper" or "jumper". It is believed to have emerged in the Middle Ages, possibly among the rural population who were involved in activities requiring agility and quick movements. The earliest recorded instances of the name can be traced back to the 16th century in regions such as Silesia and Lesser Poland. Over time, various spelling variations including Pierzchała, Pięrzchala, Pierszchala, and Pierzchalowski have arisen due to differences in transcription and translation. The geographical dispersion of the surname Pierzchala is predominantly within Poland, with notable populations also found among Polish diaspora communities around the world.

Last name distribution maps

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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 June 2025

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