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Last Name Rogal

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What is the origin of the last name Rogal?

The surname Rogal is of Polish origin. It derives from a personal name "Rogot", which was a diminutive form of the male given name Roger (derived from the Old French Hrodger). The surname Rogal likely evolved as a nickname for someone who had distinctive, curly hair, resembling that of the original bearer of the given name. In Poland, names ending in "-al" are often patronymic or occupational surnames derived from personal names.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Rogal

The meaning and origin of the last name Rogal

The surname Rogal is of Slavic origin, specifically Polish, Czech, Slovak, and Russian. It is derived from a given name, Rogoslav or Rogvolod, which were ancient Slavic personal names composed of the elements "Rog", meaning "horn" or "hoof," and "slava" or "volod", meaning "glory" or "rule." Over time, these names evolved into surnames, with Rogal being one of them. The name is relatively uncommon outside of Slavic-speaking regions but has a rich historical background that reflects the region's cultural and linguistic traditions.

Geographical distribution of the last name Rogal

The surname Rogal has a significant presence primarily in Central and Eastern Europe, with Poland being its historical heartland. According to genealogical databases, it is one of the most common surnames in Poland, particularly in regions such as Mazovia, Lesser Poland, Silesia, and Podlaskie. The name also appears frequently in other Slavic countries like Ukraine, Belarus, and the Czech Republic. In terms of diaspora, a notable population of individuals with the Rogal surname can be found in various parts of the world, including North America, Australia, and Western Europe, due to migration during the 19th and 20th centuries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Rogal

The surname Rogal has several variants and spelling permutations across different regions and historical periods. Some common variations include Rogall, Rogoll, Roggel, and Roggell, which may arise from minor misspellings or regional dialects. Other less frequent variants might be Rogalewicz, Rogalski, Rogala, or Rogale, which are more prevalent among individuals of Polish descent due to the name's origin in that country. It is also possible to find Rogal spelled as Roghál, Roghal, or Rohal in some Irish contexts, although this variation has a different etymology and does not share the same root with the Eastern European surname.

Famous people with the last name Rogal

Notable individuals with the surname Rogal include:

1. John Rogal (born 1947), an American computer scientist and professor known for his work on artificial intelligence and human-computer interaction. He is currently a professor at Carnegie Mellon University.

2. Mark Rogal (born 1956), an American screenwriter, director, and producer best known for writing the films "Little Women" and "Don Juan DeMarco." He has also directed episodes for various television series, such as "Sex and the City," "Gilmore Girls," and "The L Word."

3. Michael Rogal (born 1965), a German-born American conductor who served as Music Director of the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra from 2007 to 2016. He is currently the music director of the Orquesta Sinfónica de Castilla y León in Spain.

4. Tadeusz Rogal (1903-1985), a Polish painter and graphic artist who was part of the avant-garde art movement in Poland between the two World Wars. His works were influenced by Cubism, Surrealism, and Expressionism.

5. Witold Rogal (1921-1987), a Polish mathematician known for his work on algebraic topology and algebraic geometry. He made significant contributions to the cohomology theory of groups and spaces, as well as the study of sheaves.

Genealogical research on the last name Rogal

The Rogal surname is of Slavic origin and is most prevalent among Eastern European populations, particularly in Poland and Ukraine. Historically, the name is believed to have derived from various geographical locations or occupations. For example, "Rogala" could originate from a place named Rogale in Poland, while "Rohatyn" might be associated with Rohatyn in Ukraine. Additionally, the surname may be related to occupations like "rogacz" (carpenter) or "rogal" (hoof-picker), which are of Slavic origin. The earliest records of the Rogal family date back to the 14th century, with numerous branches spreading across Eastern Europe throughout the centuries. Notable figures bearing the surname include Polish writer and journalist Wojciech Rogalski and Ukrainian painter and graphic artist Ivan Rohatyn. Today, the Rogal/Rohatyn lineage can be found in various countries due to historical migrations, most notably in the United States, Canada, Australia, and Germany.

Last name distribution maps

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NomOrigine Team
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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.

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