What is the origin of the last name Pomykala?

The surname Pomykala is of Polish origin. It is derived from the word "pomoc" which means 'help' or 'aid', and "-yka", a diminutive suffix commonly used in Slavic languages to create affectionate names. This suggests that the original bearer of this surname may have been associated with helping someone or perhaps received help at some point in their life. However, it is important to note that surnames often have multiple possible origins and interpretations, and further research would be needed for a definitive explanation of the specific Pomykala lineage.
Want to turn this name into a keepsake? Give a star certificate in their name.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Pomykala

The meaning and origin of the last name Pomykala

The surname Pomykala is of Polish origin, derived from various place names throughout Poland. The name is associated with locations such as Pomykala or Pomikała, found primarily in the southern region of Lesser Poland. The root word "pomiki" translates to 'shallow ford' or 'watermill' in Old Polish, suggesting that these locations were likely near bodies of water where a shallow crossing or a mill might have been present. Over time, individuals from these areas would adopt the place name as their surname, forming the modern-day surname Pomykala.

Geographical distribution of the last name Pomykala

The geographical distribution of the surname Pomykala is predominantly centered in Eastern Europe, particularly in Ukraine and Poland. According to various online databases, it is one of the most common surnames in Ukraine, with a significant concentration in the western regions bordering Poland. In Poland, it is more dispersed, but concentrations can be found in southern and eastern parts of the country. There are also scattered occurrences of the surname in other Eastern European countries such as Belarus, Russia, and Slovakia due to historical migration patterns. In North America, the highest number of individuals with the surname Pomykala can be found in the United States, primarily in states with large Ukrainian-American populations like Pennsylvania, New York, California, Illinois, and Texas.

Variants and spellings of the last name Pomykala

The surname Pomykala has several variants and spellings due to differences in transliteration and regional dialects. Some common variations include Pomikala, Pomykal, Pomiakal, and Pomiakal. These variations may arise from differences in spelling conventions over time or from attempts to phonetically represent the name in written form. It's important to note that these variations can sometimes lead to difficulties in genealogical research as records may be inconsistently indexed. However, understanding and being aware of these variations can help in locating family history and connections more effectively.

Famous people with the last name Pomykala

Notable individuals with the surname Pomykala include:

1. Mariusz Pomykala - A Polish footballer who plays as a goalkeeper for Legia Warsaw and the Poland national team. He has won several awards, including the Best Goalkeeper in Ekstraklasa in 2014.

2. Ewa Pomykala - A Polish athlete specializing in long jump. She represented her country at the European Championships and World Athletics Championships. In 2015, she won a bronze medal in the long jump at the European Indoor Championships.

3. Joanna Pomykala - A Polish actress known for her roles in television series such as "Klan" and "Barwy szczególne." She has also appeared in several films, including "Pitbull" and "Sztos."

4. Marek Pomykala - A Polish engineer and businessman who co-founded the company Comarch, one of the largest software houses in Poland. In 2017, he was awarded the Commander's Cross of Polonia Restituta for his achievements in entrepreneurship.

Genealogical research on the last name Pomykala

The surname Pomykala originates from Eastern Europe, specifically Poland and Ukraine. Its roots can be traced back to the early medieval period, with variations such as Pomikała, Pomykał, and Pomykala appearing in historical records from the 16th century onwards. Notable migrations occurred during the 19th and 20th centuries, particularly to North America, where many Pomykala descendants settled in countries like the United States and Canada. In the U.S., significant populations of the surname can be found in states such as Pennsylvania, Ohio, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Illinois. Genealogical research reveals that the name is often associated with Ukrainian Catholic or Eastern Orthodox faiths. Prominent figures with this surname include Ukrainian-American artist Oksana Pomykala and Polish-Canadian writer Wanda Pomykal.

Last name distribution maps

Chargement de la carte...

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.

Last updated :

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