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Last Name Popis

What is the origin of the last name Popis?

The surname Popis is of Slavic origin, specifically from the region of Bohemia (present-day Czech Republic). It is an occupational name derived from the Old Slavonic word 'pop', meaning a priest or clergyman. Over time, it may have also referred to a scribe, notary, or someone involved in church administration. The surname could have been acquired by someone who worked as a clergyman or by a layman who had some connection with the church.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Popis

The meaning and origin of the last name Popis

The surname Popis is primarily of Slavic origin, specifically derived from Central Europe, notably countries like Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Poland. It's an occupational name for a scribe or secretary, derived from the Old Slavonic word "pisati," which means "to write." The name may also be a toponymic surname, originating from places named with this word, such as Popice in the Czech Republic. Over time and across different regions, variations of the name have arisen due to transliteration, transcription errors, or local dialects, including Pospisil, Popovich, and others. The surname Popis is relatively uncommon outside of these Central European countries but retains its historical roots in the Slavic language and culture.

Geographical distribution of the last name Popis

The surname Popis is primarily distributed across Eastern Europe, with significant concentrations in Slovakia and the Czech Republic. It is also found to a lesser extent in other parts of Europe, including Poland, Hungary, and Romania. In the United States, populations with the surname Popis are mainly concentrated in states with a higher density of Eastern European immigrants, such as Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and New York. The name may have variations like Pópis, Popiš, or Popisová due to differences in transliteration and spelling over time. Additionally, the surname can also be found in Canada, Australia, and other countries with immigration from Eastern Europe.

Variants and spellings of the last name Popis

The surname Popis has several variants and spelling variations, which may be influenced by regional dialects, transcription errors, or migration-related changes. Some common variations include Popys, Poppys, Pops, Poppes, Poppis, Poppiss, and Poppisse. These variations can arise due to differences in pronunciation, orthographic adaptations, and cultural assimilation during migration. It is essential to note that these variations may lead to confusion when researching genealogy or historical records, as different spellings may appear as distinct names. Additionally, the name Popis may also have originated from various ethnic backgrounds, including Slavic, Greek, and Scandinavian, depending on the specific cultural context and migration patterns.

Famous people with the last name Popis

Notable individuals with the surname Popis include:

1. **Slavko Popis** (1923-1984): A Croatian composer and conductor known for his operas, ballets, and symphonic works. He was a key figure in the development of contemporary Croatian classical music.

2. **Davor Popis** (born 1965): A Bosnian-Herzegovinian football coach who managed several European clubs, including NK Široki Brijeg and FK Sarajevo. He has also worked as an assistant coach for the Bosnia and Herzegovina national team.

3. **Miloš Popis** (1907-1985): A Serbian politician who served as the president of the Federal Executive Council of SFR Yugoslavia from 1963 to 1967. He was also a member of the League of Communists of Yugoslavia.

4. **Neven Popis** (born 1975): A Bosnian footballer who played as a goalkeeper for various clubs in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, and Austria. He also represented the Bosnia and Herzegovina national team.

Genealogical research on the last name Popis

The surname Popis originates from Eastern Europe, specifically within Slavic-speaking regions such as Poland, Ukraine, and Russia. Variations of this name include Popysh, Popysz, and Popyszko. The name is patronymic, derived from the given name Pawel (Paul) or Ivan (John), with "-ovich" or "-ovsky" indicating son of Paul or John respectively.

One notable bearer of the surname was the Ukrainian painter Stanislav Voloshin, who changed his surname from Popish to Voloshin in 1895. In Poland, the Popis family is recorded in the 16th century and has a significant presence in the region of Wielkopolska. The earliest known record of the name Popis in Russia dates back to the late 17th century.

The migration patterns show that many people with the surname Popis emigrated from Eastern Europe, particularly Poland and Ukraine, to countries such as the United States, Canada, and Australia during the 19th and 20th centuries, in search of better opportunities.

Last name distribution maps

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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 : 30 July 2025

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