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Last Name Pylypiw

What is the origin of the last name Pylypiw?

The surname Pylypiw is of Ukrainian origin. It derives from a given name, which in this case is most likely a variant of the name Filip (which means lover or friend in Latin). In some Slavic languages, the "f" sound can change to "p," so Filip may have evolved into Pilyp or Pylyp over time. The surname Pylypiw would then be derived from this variation of the given name. It's important to note that surnames like Pylypiw are quite common in Ukraine and its diaspora, particularly among people with Ukrainian ancestry. As with many surnames, the exact origin of a specific instance of Pylypiw may vary depending on the particular family's history.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Pylypiw

The meaning and origin of the last name Pylypiw

The surname Pylypiw is of Ukrainian origin, derived from a given name rather than a geographical location. The name can be traced back to the early Middle Ages, with roots in Eastern Slavic culture. The name "Pylyp" or "Feofil," a variant of the Greek name Theophilus (meaning "lover of God"), was popular among Christians in Kyivan Rus' and later Ukraine. Over time, the name evolved into its surnamed form Pylypiw. This surname may have also been influenced by geographical locations bearing the same or similar names, such as settlements named after Saint Feofil (also spelled Theophilus) in Ukraine. As with many Eastern European surnames, the exact origin of Pylypiw can be challenging to pinpoint due to historical records' fragmentary nature and regional dialectical variations.

Geographical distribution of the last name Pylypiw

The surname Pylypiw has a predominant concentration in Ukraine and Canada, particularly in Western Ukraine and Western Canada. In Ukraine, it is most common in regions such as Volyn Oblast, Lviv Oblast, and Zakarpattia Oblast, reflecting the historical migration patterns of Ukrainian settlers. In Canada, a significant number of Pylypiws reside in the province of Alberta, particularly in Edmonton and surrounding areas, due to post-World War II immigration. Smaller communities can also be found in other provinces such as Ontario and Saskatchewan, where Ukrainian immigrants have settled throughout the 20th century. Other countries with a presence of the Pylypiw family include the United States, Australia, and New Zealand, likely due to subsequent migrations from Ukraine and Canada.

Variants and spellings of the last name Pylypiw

The surname Pylypiw has several variations and spellings due to differences in transcription and translation over time. Some of these include Pilypiv, Pilipiw, Pilipoff, Pilipow, Pilipov, Pilipowy, Pilipowsky, Pilipiew, Pilipoffsky, and Pilipowski. These variations may appear in various regions and countries where individuals with Ukrainian ancestry have migrated and assimilated into local populations. However, it is important to note that the correct spelling of a surname can be subjective, as there may be multiple legitimate ways to spell a name based on personal preference or regional dialect.

Famous people with the last name Pylypiw

Notable individuals with the surname Pylypiw include:

1. Frank Pylypowycz (born 1946), a Canadian actor known for his roles in films such as "The Terminal" and "Chicago."

2. Taras Hryhorovych Pylypowyts'kyi (1840-1903), a Ukrainian ethnographer, archaeologist, collector of folk art, and co-founder of the Shevchenko Scientific Society.

3. Andrey Pylypiv (born 1975), a Ukrainian-American mathematician who works in the field of algebraic geometry. He is a professor at the University of California, Berkeley.

4. Stanisław Pilypowsky (1892-1968), a Polish Catholic priest and military chaplain during World War II. He was awarded the Knight's Cross of the Order of Polonia Restituta for his service.

5. Stefan Pylypowycz (born 1937), a Canadian politician who served as Member of Parliament for Winnipeg South from 1980 to 2000, representing both the Progressive Conservative and Liberal parties.

Genealogical research on the last name Pylypiw

The surname Pylypiw is of Ukrainian origin and is primarily found within Eastern Europe. It is a variant of the more common Polish-Ukrainian surname Pilewicz or Pilipiw, which derives from the Old Slavic personal name "Pilip" (from the elements "pila" meaning "little" and "bog" meaning "God"). The surname may have originated as a nickname for someone with a diminutive stature.

The Pylypiw family is believed to have originated from the village of Pilyavtsi in the Volhynia region of Ukraine, which was part of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth until the third partition of Poland in 1795. In the late 18th and early 19th centuries, many Pylypiws emigrated from Eastern Europe to North America, particularly to Canada and the United States.

Notable individuals with the surname Pylypiw include John Pylypiv (1894-1963), a Ukrainian Canadian painter; and William Pylypiw Zbaraski (1902-1974), a Canadian politician and businessman.

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 : 25 July 2025

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