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Last Name Sztandera

What is the origin of the last name Sztandera?

The surname Sztandera is of Polish origin. It comes from a professional or occupational name derived from the Polish word "stdzeń," which means "standard" or "banner." Therefore, Sztandera may have originally been given as a nickname to someone who was a standard-bearer in a military unit or a flag maker. Like many surnames, it became hereditary over time, with family members adopting the same last name regardless of their occupation.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Sztandera

The meaning and origin of the last name Sztandera

The surname Sztandera is of Polish origin, stemming from the Old Slavonic term "standar" which means "standard" or "banner." In medieval times, the name could have been given to someone who bore a standard or banner in battle, symbolizing leadership and bravery. Alternatively, it may have been a topographic surname, referring to a family living near a standing (tall) tree or pole used as a landmark. The spelling variations of this surname include Stanera, Szczepanek, and Sztander. In contemporary times, the name is primarily found among the Polish diaspora in countries like the United States and Canada.

Geographical distribution of the last name Sztandera

The surname Sztandera is predominantly found in Poland and its surrounding regions, primarily due to the country's historical and cultural influences. Within Poland, it is most prevalent in the southern and western regions such as Silesia, Lesser Poland, and Greater Poland. Additionally, there are significant concentrations of individuals with this surname in areas inhabited by Polish diaspora, including Germany, the United States, Canada, and Australia. The dispersal of the name to these countries can be attributed to the large-scale migrations during the 19th and early 20th centuries, particularly due to political upheavals like World War II.

Variants and spellings of the last name Sztandera

The surname Sztandera has several variations and spellings due to differences in transliteration and regional pronunciations. Some common spelling variants include Stanera, Standera, Sztandera, Standera, and Standora. These variations can be found among individuals of Polish and other Slavic descent. The name Sztandera is derived from the Polish word "sztandar," which means flag or standard. It is a relatively uncommon surname, but it has been recorded in various parts of the world where there are populations of Polish immigrants. The surname Sztandera may also be spelled differently based on factors such as the language used for records and the specific transliteration method employed. For example, some historical records might use a Cyrillic alphabet, which could lead to slight variations in the spelling.

Famous people with the last name Sztandera

Notable individuals with the surname Sztandera include:

1. Andrzej Sztandera (born 1948), a Polish politician who served as Mayor of Poznań from 2006 to 2018.
2. Jacek Sztandera (born 1956), a Polish journalist and writer, best known for his work on the weekly magazine "Polityka".
3. Ewa Sztandera (born 1964), a Polish actress who has appeared in numerous films and television shows since the late 1980s.
4. Piotr Sztandera (born 1974), a Polish basketball player who played professionally from 1993 to 2011.
5. Małgorzata Sztandera (born 1975), a Polish actress and model who has appeared in films, television shows, and commercials since the early 1990s.
6. Paweł Sztandera (born 1982), a Polish ice hockey player who played professionally from 2000 to 2017.

These individuals have made significant contributions in various fields such as politics, journalism, acting, and sports, showcasing the versatility and accomplishments of people with the Sztandera surname.

Genealogical research on the last name Sztandera

The surname Sztandera, of Polish origin, is derived from the Old Slavonic word "standari," meaning standard-bearer or flag-bearer. Historically, it was common among military families and nobility in Poland, particularly in regions such as Lesser Poland, Masovia, and Greater Poland.

The earliest recorded instances of the surname Sztandera date back to the 16th century in Poland. Notable individuals with this last name include Jan Sztandera, a Polish Roman Catholic bishop who served in the 17th century, and Tadeusz Sztandera, a distinguished Polish military officer during World War II.

The diaspora of Sztandera families began in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as a result of political and economic changes in Poland. Many immigrated to the United States, Germany, Canada, and Australia, where they have contributed significantly to their respective communities.

Researching the genealogy of the Sztandera family can be a rewarding endeavor, with records available through various Polish archives, as well as international immigration databases for those who emigrated from Poland.

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 : 26 July 2025

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