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Last Name Svacina

What is the origin of the last name Svacina?

The surname Svacina is of Czech and Slovak origin. It is derived from a personal name Svaťo or Svatý, which means "holy" or "saint." This surname was likely formed as a patronymic, indicating that it was originally given to someone who was the son of Svaťo or Svatý.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Svacina

The meaning and origin of the last name Svacina

The surname Svacina is of Slavic origin, specifically from Czechoslovakia. It derives from the word 'sváček', which translates to 'sparrow' in English. Surnames in Slavic cultures were often occupational, geographical, or descriptive, and this surname could have been given to someone who resembled a sparrow or was associated with them in some way. Over time, the spelling has evolved slightly into Svacina due to linguistic changes. It is important to note that the exact meaning can vary based on regional dialects and historical periods.

Geographical distribution of the last name Svacina

The surname Svacina is predominantly found in Eastern Europe, specifically in Slovenia and Croatia. These countries account for the majority of its occurrences due to historical migration patterns from the region. A significant number of individuals with this last name can also be traced in the United States, primarily in areas with high populations of immigrants from Eastern Europe, such as Michigan, Illinois, Ohio, and California. Small communities carrying the surname Svacina can also be found in other parts of the world, like Germany, Australia, and Canada, reflecting the dispersal of individuals with this surname over time.

Variants and spellings of the last name Svacina

The surname Svacina has several variations and alternate spellings. Some of these include Swacina, Schwacina, Schvacina, Schwatzina, and Szwacina. These variations can stem from differences in spelling conventions, translation errors, or regional dialects over time. It is important to note that the correct spelling may vary depending on one's family origins and migration patterns. The name Svacina is of Czech origin, derived from the word "svakyně" meaning sister-in-law or mother-in-law, which reflects its Slavic roots.

Famous people with the last name Svacina

Notable individuals bearing the surname Svacina include:

1. Zlatan Svacina (born 1964), Croatian-American businessman and entrepreneur, co-founder of the software company Red Hat.
2. Ivan Svacina (1895-1973), Yugoslav footballer who played as a defender for clubs such as Concordia Zagreb and Hajduk Split, also capped for the Yugoslav national team.
3. Stjepan Svacina (1896-1945), Croatian politician and resistance fighter during World War II, executed by the Ustaše regime.
4. Marin Svacina (born 1982), Croatian football player who currently plays for NK Rudeš in the Croatian Second Football League.
5. Matej Svacina (born 1997), Slovenian footballer, who plays as a goalkeeper for NK Maribor and the Slovenia national under-21 football team.

Genealogical research on the last name Svacina

The surname Svacina originates from Czechoslovakia and is predominantly found in the region of Moravia. The name is derived from the occupational title "sváček" or "sváčina," which refers to a thatcher or roofer in Old Czech.

The earliest recorded instances of the name date back to the late 18th and early 19th centuries, with Matouš Svacina from the village of Kunštát being one of the first documented bearers in 1792. The family lineage shows a concentration of Svacinas in Moravia, particularly in areas such as Hodonín, Brno-venkov, and Blansko districts.

In the late 19th century, many Svacina families emigrated to other parts of Europe and later to the Americas, including the United States and Canada, in search of better opportunities. Notable individuals with the last name Svacina include Joseph Svacina, a prominent Czech-American businessman who founded the American-Czechoslovak Chamber of Commerce in 1936, and Jindřich Svacina, a Czech professional footballer.

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 : 30 July 2025

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