Last Name Pila

The surname "Pila" is of Finnish origin. It is derived from a topographical name for someone who lived by a small pool or pond, or it could also be an occupational name for a miller or someone who worked with millstones, as "pila" means "millstone" in Finnish. The name may have been brought to other countries through Finnish migration.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Pila

The meaning and origin of the last name Pila

The surname Pila, while less common in Western cultures, is predominantly found among populations in Finland and Estonia. It is derived from topographic or occupational names, indicating that the original bearer lived near a pond or pool (in Finnish, "pilvi") or was a fisherman (as "pilvia" meant a fishing weir in medieval Finnish). In Estonian, "pila" means 'farmstead' or 'castle', suggesting a possible origin for the surname in relation to a specific location. Over time, variations of the name have emerged, such as Pilva, Pylvänäinen, and Piilola, among others, due to factors like phonetic changes, transliteration, and migration.

Geographical distribution of the last name Pila

The surname Pila exhibits a concentrated geographical distribution primarily in Poland and neighboring countries. In Poland, it is most prevalent in the southern provinces such as Malopolska and Slask, reflecting its historical roots. Beyond Poland, significant populations bearing the name can be found in other Central European countries like the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Hungary, due to historical migrations and cultural ties. The name also has a presence in Lithuania and Belarus, likely due to similar historical and cultural influences. In addition, smaller numbers of people with the surname Pila can be found across other parts of Europe, North America, and Australia, as a result of immigration and diaspora from Central Europe.

Variants and spellings of the last name Pila

The surname Pila has several variants and spelling versions across different regions and languages. Some common variations include Pilas, Pilka, Pilkaa, Pilak, Pill, Pille, Pilla, Pylas, Pyle, Pyla, and Piła (Polish). These variations may stem from regional dialects, historical events, or personal preferences in spelling. It's essential to note that the correct spelling for a specific individual can depend on their ancestral background, the language they primarily speak, or the country where they reside.

Famous people with the last name Pila

Notable individuals with the surname Pila include:

1. Marián Pila (born 1968), a Slovak football manager and former player who spent most of his career at Slovan Bratislava as a defender, earning over 40 caps for Slovakia.

2. Matej Pilař (born 1985), a Czech professional ice hockey goaltender who played in the National Hockey League (NHL) for the Minnesota Wild and New Jersey Devils.

3. Zbyněk Pilař (born 1960), a Czech composer, musicologist, and pianist known for his works in contemporary classical music. He has been awarded numerous prizes and scholarships, including the prestigious Grawemeyer Award for Music Composition.

4. Karel Pilař (1887–1965), a Czech painter who was a significant figure in the Czech avant-garde movement of the early 20th century. His abstract works are part of many prominent collections, including those at the Museum of Modern Art in New York and the Tate Gallery in London.

Genealogical research on the last name Pila

The surname Pila is of Polish origin, derived from place names with that designation. Some of the earliest records of this surname can be traced back to the 13th century in Poland. One of the notable places named Pila is located in the Greater Poland Voivodeship, which may have served as a source for the family name. The Pila family expanded throughout various regions within Poland over the centuries, with migrations occurring during the 16th and 17th centuries due to political and economic changes. During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, some members of the Pila family emigrated from Poland to other parts of Europe and North America, particularly the United States and Canada. Today, the Pila surname is found worldwide among individuals of Polish descent.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Pila"
• 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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