Last Name Poterala

The last name Poterala is of Croatian origin. It is derived from the word "pota," which means pot, and likely refers to someone who made or sold pottery. It is a relatively rare surname that is primarily found in the regions of Croatia.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Poterala

The meaning and origin of the last name Poterala

The surname Poterala is of Croatian origin and is derived from the personal name Petar, which is the Croatian form of the name Peter. The name Peter has Hebrew origins and means "rock" or "stone" in reference to the steadfast and stable nature of rocks. The surname Poterala likely originated as a patronymic surname, indicating descent from a person named Petar. Over time, the name would have evolved into its modern form of Poterala. As with many surnames, Poterala may have been adopted by individuals as a way to distinguish themselves from others with the same given name, or it may have been bestowed upon individuals based on their occupation, physical characteristics, or location of origin. Today, individuals with the surname Poterala can be found primarily in Croatia and surrounding regions.

Geographical distribution of the last name Poterala

The last name Poterala is relatively rare and has a limited geographical distribution. It is most commonly found in the United States, particularly in the state of Illinois. There are also smaller concentrations of individuals with this surname in states such as Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Indiana. Outside of the United States, Poterala is not as widespread, with only a handful of individuals bearing this last name in countries such as Slovakia and the Czech Republic. Overall, the geographical distribution of the last name Poterala is primarily concentrated in the Midwest region of the United States, with sparse populations in Europe.

Variants and spellings of the last name Poterala

Poterala is a unique last name and as such, there are not many variations or alternate spellings. However, some possible variations could include Potaerala, Poterella, Poteralla, and Potrala. These variations may arise due to misspellings, mispronunciations, or regional accents. Regardless of the slight differences in spelling, the name still retains its distinct sound and origin. Poterala is a surname of Slovak origin, derived from the word "poter" meaning loss or lack. Families with the last name Poterala may have ancestral roots in Slovakia or surrounding regions. Overall, while there may be some variations in the spelling of the surname, the name Poterala remains a unique and identifiable part of someone's identity.

Famous people with the last name Poterala

There are no famous people with the last name Poterala as of now. However, the Poterala family name may not be widely recognized in mainstream media or public spheres. It is possible that there are individuals with this surname who have achieved success in various fields such as business, sports, arts, or politics but have not gained widespread fame or recognition. The Poterala family may have a rich history or heritage that is less well-known but still holds significance to those who bear the name. It is always interesting to explore the lesser-known family names and their potential contributions to society, as they may offer unique perspectives and stories that are often overshadowed by more well-known personalities.

Genealogical research on the last name Poterala

The surname Poterala is of Czech origin and is believed to be derived from a place name, indicating that the original bearer of the name may have been from a town or region called Poterala. It is not a widely known or common surname, suggesting that it may have originated from a small, localized area or family. Genealogical research on the surname Poterala is likely to trace back to individuals in the Czech Republic or surrounding regions, with potential variations in spelling due to translation and regional dialects. Further research may uncover connections to noble or common families, as well as migration patterns and historical events that may have influenced the spread of the surname. Overall, the Poterala surname carries a sense of identity tied to a specific geographical location and cultural heritage within Eastern Europe.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "poterala"
• 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 : 11 April 2025

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