Last Name Resnikoff

The last name Resnikoff is of Jewish origin and is thought to be an Ashkenazi Jewish surname. The name likely comes from Eastern Europe, particularly Russia or Poland. It is derived from the Yiddish word "rezin" meaning raisin, and the suffix "-koff" or "-ov" which is a common way to form surnames in Russian and Yiddish. The name may have originally been a nickname for someone who worked with or sold raisins.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Resnikoff

The meaning and origin of the last name Resnikoff

The surname Resnikoff is of Russian-Jewish origin, derived from the Russian word "резник" (pronounced "reznik") meaning "butcher." It is believed to have been an occupational surname for someone who either worked as a butcher or lived near a butcher shop. The addition of the suffix "-off" is a common Russian patronymic ending, meaning "son of," indicating that the original bearer of the surname was likely the son of a butcher. The Resnikoff surname is most commonly found among Jewish communities in Russia and Eastern Europe, particularly in areas where Yiddish-speaking populations resided. Over time, many individuals with the surname Resnikoff migrated to other parts of the world, including the United States and Israel, contributing to its spread and variation. Today, the surname Resnikoff serves as a reminder of the diverse linguistic and cultural influences within Jewish genealogy.

Geographical distribution of the last name Resnikoff

The last name Resnikoff is most commonly found among individuals of Jewish descent. It is primarily concentrated in Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus, reflecting the historic Jewish populations in these regions. In more modern times, the name has spread to other parts of the world, including the United States and Israel, where Jewish communities have established themselves. In the US, Resnikoff can be found in states with significant Jewish populations, such as New York, California, and Florida. Overall, the geographical distribution of the last name Resnikoff follows the patterns of Jewish migration and settlement throughout history, with a strong presence in Eastern Europe and an increasing presence in countries with large Jewish populations.

Variants and spellings of the last name Resnikoff

The last name Resnikoff has several variations and spellings that you may come across while researching your family history or connecting with distant relatives. Some common variations include Resnikov, Resnickoff, Resnikovitz, and Roznikoff. These variations may be due to different transliterations from the original Russian or Eastern European language, changes made during immigration or naturalization processes, or simply differences in pronunciation. It is important to keep in mind that last names can evolve over time and be spelled differently in various records or documents. When searching for information about the Resnikoff surname, be sure to try different spellings and variations to increase your chances of finding relevant information and connections to your family's past.

Famous people with the last name Resnikoff

One famous person with the last name Resnikoff is Alexander Resnikoff, a French mathematician known for his work in probability theory and functional analysis. He studied under illustrious mathematicians such as Henri Lebesgue and Émile Borel, and his contributions to the field have been highly influential. Another notable figure with the last name Resnikoff is Gerald Resnikoff, an American physicist and mathematician who has made significant contributions to the study of partial differential equations and harmonic analysis. His work has been instrumental in advancing our understanding of complex mathematical concepts and has earned him widespread recognition in the scientific community. The Resnikoff family has produced several accomplished individuals in the fields of mathematics and science, leaving a lasting impact on their respective disciplines.

Genealogical research on the last name Resnikoff

Resnikoff is a surname of Russian Jewish origin, derived from the Russian word "résnik" meaning "sawyer" or "woodworker." The earliest known bearers of the surname can be traced back to the 19th century in the Pale of Settlement, where Jewish families were confined to live in the Russian Empire. As a result, many Resnikoff families migrated to other parts of Europe, particularly to France and Poland. The name Resnikoff may have variations in spelling due to the transliteration of the Russian Cyrillic alphabet into the Latin alphabet. Over time, descendants of the Resnikoff family spread to various countries around the world, including the United States, Israel, and Canada. Genealogical research into the Resnikoff surname can help uncover connections to other Jewish families and provide insight into the history and migration patterns of Jewish communities in Eastern Europe.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Resnikoff"
• 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

Share the origin of your last name with your friends