Last Name Poka

The surname Poka has roots that can be traced back to several different cultures and regions, making it challenging to pinpoint a specific origin without additional context. However, some possible origins include: 1. Slavic: In Eastern European countries like Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus, the surname Poka is a diminutive of various first names that end in "-po" or "-pa," such as Pavel (Paul) or Ivan. 2. Native American: In some cases, Poka may be of Native American origin. For instance, among the Cherokee Nation, Poca is a female given name meaning "butterfly." However, it's important to note that many Native American surnames were assigned by European settlers and do not necessarily reflect the individual's tribal affiliation or original name. 3. African: In West Africa, particularly in countries like Nigeria, Ghana, and Togo, Poka is a common last name derived from the Akan language. It may be a variant of the name Kofi, which means "born on Saturday." 4. Chinese: The surname Bai (白), pronounced as "pok" or "poh" in some dialects, is a Chinese family name that can sometimes be transliterated into foreign languages as Poka. It refers to someone with white hair and is ranked 19th among the Hundred Family Surnames in China. It's crucial to consider that surnames have been subject to various changes due to migration, assimilation, and historical events. To determine the specific origin of a particular Poka family, research into their genealogy or ancestral homeland may be necessary.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Poka

The meaning and origin of the last name Poka

The surname Poka is likely of Slavic origin, specifically derived from various Eastern European countries such as Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus. In some cases, it could be a patronymic surname derived from the given name Pok or Poka, which has several possible meanings. One possible interpretation is that Pok or Poka is derived from the Slavic word "pok" meaning "mist," "fog," or "smoke." Another theory suggests that it could be a diminutive form of the name Pavlo (Paul), with the suffix "-ka" added to create a female variant. The surname Poka has also been found in various forms such as Pok, Pocas, and Paca in different regions, reflecting its Slavic roots and potential evolution over time.

Geographical distribution of the last name Poka

The surname Poka is predominantly distributed across Central and Eastern Europe, particularly in Poland, Ukraine, Belarus, and Russia. A significant concentration can be found in Poland, where it ranks among the top 10,000 most common surnames. In Ukraine, it is more prevalent in the western regions such as Lviv Oblast and Volyn Oblast. In Belarus, it is mainly found in the Minsk region, while in Russia, it is distributed across various regions with a notable presence in the Moscow Oblast. Smaller clusters can also be found in other parts of Europe due to migration and diaspora movements over centuries. The surname Poka is less common outside of Europe, but minor occurrences have been reported in countries with Eastern European immigrant populations.

Variants and spellings of the last name Poka

The surname Poka has several variations and spellings across different regions and languages. Some common variations include Pokka, Pöka, Pöcka, Pooka, and Pauka. In some instances, it may also be found as Pacca or Packa due to phonetic differences or regional pronunciation variations. Additionally, it could have Polish origins, where the name can be spelled Pokasz or Pokaszewski. However, the exact origin and variations of the name Poka can depend on the specific cultural or linguistic background of the individual bearer.

Famous people with the last name Poka

Notable individuals with the surname Poka include:

1. **Oswald Poka** (born 1986), an American football player who played for teams like the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New York Giants in the National Football League (NFL).
2. **Mike Poka** (born 1964), a Canadian professional ice hockey player who played for the Philadelphia Flyers, Winnipeg Jets, and Montreal Canadiens in the National Hockey League (NHL).
3. **Kristjan Poka** (born 1995), an Estonian professional basketball player who currently plays for the Italian team Olimpia Milano.
4. **Anthony Poka** (born 1988), a former American football linebacker who played for teams like the Seattle Seahawks and Buffalo Bills in the NFL.
5. **Dale Poka** (born 1950), a Canadian politician who served as the Member of Parliament for St. John's East from 2008 to 2011, representing the Liberal Party of Canada.

Genealogical research on the last name Poka

The surname Poka, while not extensively researched, has roots traced back to various regions across Europe and Asia. In Central Europe, particularly Poland and Czech Republic, the name Pocka is believed to have originated from the occupational name for a blacksmith or metalworker, derived from the Old Slavic word "pokovati" meaning to forge or shape metal. In Russia, the surname Pokhoda (Похода) signifies movement or journey, and could have been given to someone who led a group on a trip or military expedition. The variant Poka in other parts of Europe and Asia may have originated as a diminutive or short form of various names containing the element 'pok-', such as Pokorny (Czech Republic) meaning humble, or Pak (Hungary), derived from the Old Slavic word "pak" meaning steppe dweller. As with many surnames, the name Poka has undergone various spelling modifications due to migration and linguistic influences over time.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "poka"
• 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 : 27 July 2025

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