NomOrigine Background

Last Name Pokorny

What is the origin of the last name Pokorny?

The surname Pokorny is of Czech and Slovak origin. It is derived from the Slavic word "pokorný," which means humble, meek, or submissive. In some cases, it may also be a habitational name for someone who lived near a village called Pokorná in the Czech Republic. The surname has been anglicized as Pokorney, Pokorni, and other variations over time.

Unlock and discover the hidden secrets of the surname Pokorny

Unlock the Secrets of Your Surname Now

For only 3.95 $, you get:

  • Full access for 7 days
  • Unlimited access to all name and surname profiles
  • High-quality Origin Certificate
  • Download: Keep a precious memory with your origins downloadable in PDF format.
  • Unlimited search
  • Ad-Free: Enjoy a smooth and uninterrupted user experience.
  • ✅ 15-Day Money-Back Satisfaction Guarantee!
Unlock the Secrets of Your Surname Now
🎁 Special offer today: 3.95 $ instead of 6.95 $
⏳ This exclusive offer expires in:

✅ 15-Day Money-Back Satisfaction Guarantee!

What our users say

“I discovered fascinating details about my family history. This service is amazing for tracing our roots!” - Jean D.

“This site strengthened our sense of family belonging by uncovering our origins. Highly recommended!” - Marie L.

“The information was detailed and accurate. I learned interesting facts about my ancestors. A must-have!” - Paul S.

✅ Join the 5,000+ people who have already discovered the fascinating history of their last name!

Discover my family history now

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: What will I discover by exploring my last name?
Answer: You will discover the geographical origin, etymology, and unique history of your last name. You can also explore family traditions and historical events connected to it.

Question: How long does it take to access the information?
Answer: Once your payment is confirmed, access is instant. You can start exploring right away.

Question: Are the details about my last name accurate?
Answer: Our data comes from extensive research in reliable archives and historical databases. While we cannot guarantee 100% accuracy, we strive to provide the most complete and precise information possible.

Payment Information

or pay by card

By clicking 'Confirm my payment', you agree to our refund policy, accessible via this link: Refund Policy, as well as our cancellation policy accessible via this link: Cancellation Policy

Learn more about the origin of the last name Pokorny

The meaning and origin of the last name Pokorny

The surname Pokorny is of Czech origin, derived from the adjective "pokorný," which means humble, submissive or obedient in Czech language. It was likely used as a nickname for someone with meek or humble characteristics. The name may have been originally given to denote submission to authority or as a mark of humility. Over time, the surname spread beyond Czech-speaking regions due to migration and assimilation. Today, it is a relatively common surname, particularly in areas with significant Czech ancestry, such as parts of Europe and North America.

Geographical distribution of the last name Pokorny

The surname Pokorny is predominantly found in Central and Eastern Europe, particularly in countries such as the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Austria, due to their historical ties and shared linguistic roots. It originates from the Czech and Slovak word "pokorný," meaning humble or submissive. The surname also has a presence in Germany, Poland, and other Slavic regions, indicating migration over time. In North America, the name is predominantly found among immigrants of Czech and Slovak descent, particularly in communities established during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. In Australia, New Zealand, and the United States, it can also be traced back to German and Polish migrants. Overall, while Pokorny is less common globally compared to other surnames, it maintains a significant presence in its regions of origin.

Variants and spellings of the last name Pokorny

The surname Pokorny has several variations and spellings across different regions and languages. Some common variants include Pokorni, Pokornyi, Pekorny, Peckorny, Pukorny, and Pukeorny. These variations may arise due to differences in spelling conventions, phonetic transcriptions, or transliterations from other languages. In Czech, the name is typically written as Pokorný with an acute accent on the 'y', indicating a long 'i' sound. However, this accent may not be retained in some translations or adaptations to other languages. Additionally, surnames may undergo changes over time due to factors such as migration, assimilation, and historical record keeping practices. The various spellings of Pokorny serve as testament to the name's rich history and global dispersal.

Famous people with the last name Pokorny

Notable individuals with the surname Pokorny include:

1. František Xaver Pokorný (1839-1917), a Czech composer and conductor who was one of the pioneers of Czech national music. He is best known for his operas, including "The Brandenburger" and "The Betrothal in the Forest."

2. Gustav Pokorny (1867-1952), a German classical philologist, who made significant contributions to Indo-European studies, particularly in the fields of Celtic linguistics and mythology. He is credited with coining the term "Kurgans" for ancient burial mounds.

3. Emil Pokorny (1904-1957), a Czech painter known for his expressionist works. His most famous painting, "The Dream," is a powerful depiction of the devastation caused by World War II in his hometown of Kroměříž.

4. Vítězslav Pokorný (born 1952), a Czech composer and conductor who has worked extensively with traditional folk music, integrating it into contemporary classical music. He is a recipient of the Order of the White Lion, one of the highest honors in the Czech Republic.

These notable figures from various fields demonstrate the diverse talents and contributions of individuals named Pokorny.

Genealogical research on the last name Pokorny

The surname Pokorny originated from Bohemia, which is now part of the Czech Republic. The name is derived from the Old Slavic word 'počernuti' meaning 'to make clean' or 'to purify'. It is believed that the name was initially a nickname for someone who performed the task of keeping the village water mill clean. The Pokorny family migrated to Germany in the Middle Ages, and some branches later moved to other parts of Europe during the 18th and 19th centuries. In the United States, the Pokornys are predominantly of Bohemian or Moravian descent, as many immigrated from the Austro-Hungarian Empire between the 1850s and early 20th century. Notable figures with the surname Pokorny include Antonín Dvořák, a prominent Czech composer, and Ernst Friedrich Otto Pokorny, a German archaeologist.

Last name distribution maps

Chargement de la carte...

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 : 28 July 2025

Share the origin of your last name with your friends

Search the origin of a family name

Enter the surname you are looking for below:

Similar Last Names

Poka (Last name)

surnames > 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. Howeve...

Pokakilath (Last name)

surnames > pokakilath

The last name "Pokakilath" is of Indian origin. It is believed to be a surname derived from the Malayalam language, commonly spoken in the southern Indian state of Kerala.

Pokar (Last name)

surnames > pokar

The last name "Pokar" is of Slovenian origin. It is derived from the Slovene word "pokrajina" meaning "landscape" or "region." This surname may have originally been used to describ...

Pokas (Last name)

surnames > pokas

The name "Pokas" is of Polish origin. It comes from the Polish name "Poka", which was probably used as a first name at some point and later evolved to become a last name.

Pokhareal (Last name)

surnames > pokhareal

The last name "Pokhareal" is likely of Nepali origin. It may be derived from the place name "Pokhara," which is a city in Nepal. The suffix "-al" is a common Nepali surname ending,...

Pokhariya (Last name)

surnames > pokhariya

The last name "Pokhariya" originates from India. It is a surname commonly found among people of Indian descent, particularly in the state of Uttarakhand.

Pokhatel (Last name)

surnames > pokhatel

The last name "Pokhatel" has Russian origins. It is derived from the Russian word "похватить" which means to seize or grab.

Pokhton (Last name)

surnames > pokhton

The last name "Pokhton" is of Russian origin. It is likely derived from the Russian word "походный" (pokhodny), which means "campaign" or "military expedition." This surnam...

Pokie (Last name)

surnames > pokie

The last name "Pokie" is of Polish origin. It is derived from the Polish word "pokój," which means "peace" or "room." In Poland, "Pokie" may have originated as a surname given to ...

Pokiparab (Last name)

surnames > pokiparab

The last name Pokiparab is of Native American origin, specifically from the Choctaw tribe.

Pokkakillathu (Last name)

surnames > pokkakillathu

The last name "Pokkakillathu" originates from the Indian state of Kerala. It is a combination of the words "pokkam" meaning pond or lake, and "killam" meaning residence or place. T...

Pokkarath (Last name)

surnames > pokkarath

The last name Pokkarath is of Indian origin. It is derived from the Malayalam word "pokku" which means "to cook" or "to prepare food" and "arath" which means "king" or "ruler." Thi...

Pokkat (Last name)

surnames > pokkat

The last name Pokkat is of Finnish origin. It is derived from the Finnish word "pokka," meaning bluff or bluster.

Pokkath ismayil pavaratty (Last name)

surnames > pokkath-ismayil-pavaratty

The origin of the last name Pokkath Ismayil Pavaratty is likely Indian. It appears to be a combination of a geographical location (Pavaratty) and personal names (Ismayil).

Pokkattu (Last name)

surnames > pokkattu

The last name "Pokkattu" originates from the Malayalam language and is a part of the region of Kerala in southern India. It is believed to be a place-name that signifies a location...