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Last Name Stodola

What is the origin of the last name Stodola?

The surname Stodola is of Slavic origin. It is a variant spelling of the Czech and Slovak patronymic surname Stojdroň/Stojdra, which means "son of Stojan", a diminutive form of Stevan or Stephen. This surname may have been brought to other countries by Slavic immigrants during various waves of migration throughout history. It is most prevalent in Central and Eastern Europe but can be found in other parts of the world as well.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Stodola

The meaning and origin of the last name Stodola

The surname Stodola is of Slavic origin, specifically derived from the Old East Slavic language. It translates to "stove maker" or "potter", stemming from the Proto-Slavic root "stodь" meaning "stove". Over time, it was adopted as a surname by individuals who were craftsmen or tradespeople specializing in pottery or stove making. The name may also have been used to denote a person living near a stove or pottery workshop, similar to the way geographical locations often become surnames. The variation "Stodola" is found predominantly among Eastern European populations such as Polish and Ukrainian individuals. Throughout history, this surname has spread through migration and assimilation, creating a rich tapestry of Stodolas across the globe.

Geographical distribution of the last name Stodola

The surname Stodola has a significant concentration in Eastern Europe, particularly in Poland and the Czech Republic, where it originated. It is also present in Slovakia, Slovenia, Croatia, and the neighboring regions, suggesting a possible migration from a common ancestral location. Over time, individuals bearing the name Stodola have emigrated to other parts of Europe and beyond, with notable communities found in the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, largely as a result of the 19th and 20th century European diaspora. The geographical distribution of this surname reflects a blend of historical events, migrations, and cultural exchanges that have shaped Eastern Europe's demographic landscape.

Variants and spellings of the last name Stodola

The surname Stodola has several variations and spellings, including Stodolla, Stodolla-Kreutz, Stodulka, Stodulewska, Stodolny, and Stodulski. These variations may stem from different regions or ethnicities, with some having roots in Eastern Europe such as Poland or Ukraine. The name can also be found with diacritics (Stodola, Stodolla-Kreutz) or without (Stodula, Stodulla). It is important to note that spelling variations may arise due to differences in regional pronunciation, language translation, or changes over time. Therefore, it is not uncommon for individuals with the surname Stodola to have encountered various spellings throughout history.

Famous people with the last name Stodola

Milton Lafayette Stoddard Stodola (1857-1963) was an American mechanical engineer and inventor who is best known for designing the first practical steam turbine for electric power generation, while working at Westinghouse Electric Company in 1882. This invention led to a significant increase in efficiency and output of power plants worldwide. Stodola's design served as the foundation for steam turbines used until the mid-twentieth century. Another notable individual with the last name Stodola is Janette Dill Stodola (born 1956), an American mathematician and educator who has made significant contributions to mathematics education research, particularly in the field of problem solving and mathematical thinking. She currently serves as the Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Genealogical research on the last name Stodola

The surname Stodola originates from Eastern Europe, primarily Poland and Ukraine, where it is believed to have derived from the Slavic word "stodola" meaning "granary." This surname was initially a geographical name for someone who lived near a granary or a topographic name for someone living on such a site.

The first recorded instances of the Stodola family can be traced back to the 16th century in Poland. Notable members include Michael Stodola, who emigrated from Poland to the United States in the late 19th century and established the Stodola Motor Car Company in Chicago, producing one of the first American-built automobiles. Another notable member is Dr. Witold Stodola, a Polish engineer who made significant contributions to the field of steam engineering during the early 20th century.

Today, the Stodola family can be found across the world, particularly in North America, Western Europe, and Australia, due to migration waves over the past few centuries. Genealogical research continues to uncover more information about the Stodola family history and its extensive branches.

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 : 13 June 2025

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