What is the origin of the last name Plakalo?

The surname Plakalo is believed to have origins in Russia and Ukraine. It is derived from a variety of sources, including geographical locations, occupations, or nicknames. One possible interpretation comes from the Old Slavic word "plakat," which means "to weep" or "mourn." Therefore, a person with this surname might have lived near a place where someone was weeping or mourning, or they could have been given this name because of some tragic event in their family history. However, it's important to note that the exact origin can vary for different families and requires further research into genealogy records.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Plakalo

The meaning and origin of the last name Plakalo

The surname Plakalo is of Russian origin, specifically from the area now known as the Perm Krai and Komi Republic in Russia. The name is derived from the occupational or geographical name "Plakal", which meant a fisherman who lived near a shallow or stony place for fishing. This name was common among the Finnic-speaking populations, such as the Permyaks and Komi people, in the region where the name originated. Over time, the spelling variations of this surname have emerged due to differences in transcription and translation, including Plakalov, Plakhal, Plakhala, and Plakalo. The family name Plakalo is now found among Russian diaspora communities around the world.

Geographical distribution of the last name Plakalo

The surname Plakalo is predominantly found in Eastern Europe, particularly in Russia and Ukraine. According to genealogical databases, it is most concentrated in regions such as Tver Oblast, Moscow Oblast, and St. Petersburg in Russia, as well as the Cherkasy, Vinnytsia, and Zhytomyr regions in Ukraine. The name may have originated from the Slavic word "plakat" meaning to cry or weep, suggesting a possible association with a profession or personal event in the past. However, it's important to note that the distribution can vary significantly based on factors such as migration and assimilation over time.

Variants and spellings of the last name Plakalo

The surname Plakalo has several variations and spellings due to differences in transliteration, transcription, and regional dialects. Some common variants include Plakalov, Plakalova (for the feminine form), Plakhalo, Plakhala, and Plakhalo. These variations may arise from slight phonetic changes or differences in how the name was recorded historically. Additionally, it's worth noting that some people might use alternate spellings based on personal preference or cultural influences. Ultimately, the specific spelling of the surname Plakalo can vary among individuals and families.

Famous people with the last name Plakalo

Notable individuals with the surname Plakalo include:

1. Aleksandr Plakalo (born 1948), a Russian politician who served as a member of the State Duma from 2007 to 2011, representing the Leningrad Oblast. He was a member of the United Russia party.

2. Anatoly Plakhalo (born 1963), a Russian professional ice hockey goaltender who played in the National Hockey League for teams such as the Detroit Red Wings and Edmonton Oilers. He is currently an assistant coach with HC Dinamo Minsk of the Kontinental Hockey League.

3. Sergei Plakhalo (born 1980), a Russian professional ice hockey player who played in the Kontinental Hockey League for teams such as Lokomotiv Yaroslavl and Salavat Yulaev Ufa. He is a two-time Olympian, representing Russia at the 2006 Winter Olympics and the 2014 Winter Olympics.

These individuals have made significant contributions in their respective fields, with Aleksandr Plakalo contributing to Russian politics, Anatoly Plakhalo making an impact in ice hockey as a player and coach, and Sergei Plakhalo excelling in professional ice hockey.

Genealogical research on the last name Plakalo

The Plakalo surname is of Russian origin, primarily found within Slavic communities. It is derived from various geographical locations and personal names, with one possible source being the village of Plakalovo or Plakaly, located near Vologda in Russia. Over time, variations in spelling and translation may have led to different versions of the name, such as Plakalo, Plakhalo, Plakhala, etc. The earliest records of this surname can be traced back to the 18th century, with significant migrations occurring during the late 19th and early 20th centuries due to political upheavals and economic changes in Russia. Today, the Plakalo family name is prevalent among the Russian diaspora across various parts of Europe and North America.

Last name distribution maps

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NomOrigine Team
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.

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