What is the origin of the last name Szafarczyk?

The surname Szafarczyk is of Polish origin. It likely derives from a topographical name for someone who lived near a sawn-wood store or workshop, as "saw" in Polish is "sawka" and "store" is "sklep". The suffix "-czyk" is a diminutive form that may have been added to indicate a small sawn-wood store. However, it's important to note that surnames often have various possible origins and interpretations, and further research might be necessary for a definitive understanding of a specific family's history.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Szafarczyk

The meaning and origin of the last name Szafarczyk

The surname Szafarczyk is of Polish origin, derived from various regional place names and occupational titles. The root word "szafa" translates to "cupboard" or "cabinet," while the suffix "-arz" denotes an artisan or craftsman.

Historically, a Szafarczyk might have been a maker of cupboards or furniture, living near a location with that name. Alternatively, the surname could have originated from a geographical area where such a profession was prevalent. The spelling variations of this surname may include Szafarczykowa (feminine form) and other regional adaptations due to migration and changes in pronunciation over time.

Geographical distribution of the last name Szafarczyk

The surname Szafarczyk is predominantly found in Poland, with the highest concentration in regions such as Podlasie and Lublin, both located in eastern Poland. These areas were historically part of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania and later incorporated into the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, where the name likely originated. The name may also be found in smaller numbers in other parts of Poland, as well as among the Polish diaspora in countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and Germany, due to migration patterns throughout history. In these foreign locations, the spelling of the surname may vary slightly due to differences in transliteration or phonetic adaptation.

Variants and spellings of the last name Szafarczyk

The surname Szafarczyk has several variants and spellings due to differences in translation, regional pronunciation, and historical recording methods. Some common variations include Szafarzik, Schafarczyk, Schafarsky, Schafarczik, Schafartschik, Shafarczyk, Shafarczik, Shafartschik, Shafraneczky, and Shafrancyk. These variations may arise from minor differences in the way the name was pronounced or recorded over time, or from attempts to transliterate or Anglicize the original Polish surname. It is important to note that the exact origin and meaning of the name Szafarczyk are not definitively known, as many Polish surnames were formed based on a variety of factors such as occupation, location, or personal attributes, and were often subject to regional dialects and changes over time.

Famous people with the last name Szafarczyk

Notable individuals sharing the surname Szafarczyk include:

1. Janusz Szafarczyk (born 1967), a Polish professional footballer who played as a forward and was known for his spells at Górnik Zabrze, Legia Warsaw, and Widzew Łódź, among others. He represented the Poland national team in multiple international competitions.

2. Tomasz Szafarczyk (born 1980), a Polish film director and screenwriter known for his work on films such as "The Last Family" (2016) and "Dolce fine estate" (2017). His movies have been recognized at various international film festivals.

3. Mikołaj Szafarczyk (born 1986), a Polish historian who has written on the history of early modern Europe, focusing on the Dutch Republic and the Netherlands in the long seventeenth century. He is an associate professor at the University of Groningen in the Netherlands.

4. Paweł Szafarczyk (born 1982), a Polish professional footballer who plays as a forward for Belgian club Royal Antwerp FC and the Poland national team. Known for his skills and versatility, he has played in various leagues across Europe.

Genealogical research on the last name Szafarczyk

The surname Szafarczyk is of Polish origin, derived from the occupation of a blacksmith or smithy. The name is a patronymic form of the personal name Szafran, meaning saffron, with the suffix -czyk, indicating 'son of'. Records indicate that the name first appeared in the 16th century, particularly in regions such as Mazovia and Lesser Poland. Notable individuals bearing this surname include Jan Szafarczyk (1834-1905), a Polish historian and political activist, and Kazimierz Szafarczyk (1927-2016), a Polish mathematician and academic. The distribution of the name in modern times is concentrated primarily in Poland and other regions with significant Polish diaspora, such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and Germany.

Last name distribution maps

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NomOrigine Team
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.

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