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Last Name Teterycz

What is the origin of the last name Teterycz?

The surname Teterycz has roots in Eastern Europe, specifically Ukraine and Poland. It's a variant of Teteria, which is derived from a Slavic personal name Teter, meaning "quail." The name may have been a nickname for someone who resembled a quail or lived near an area where quails were found. As with many surnames, the specific origin can vary and is often influenced by regional dialects and historical record-keeping practices.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Teterycz

The meaning and origin of the last name Teterycz

The surname Teterycz is of Ukrainian origin. It is derived from various place names in Ukraine that bear the same or similar name, such as Teteriv River and Teterevka Village. In these locations, the name often refers to a type of birch tree, with "teter" meaning birch and "-ycz" being a common Slavic surname suffix indicating place of origin or occupation. The surname Teterycz has been spelled in various ways over time due to transliteration and migration, including Teterich, Tetyerchuk, and Teteruch. It is most commonly found among Ukrainian diaspora communities around the world.

Geographical distribution of the last name Teterycz

The surname Teterycz is predominantly found in Eastern Europe, specifically within Ukraine and Poland. According to genealogical databases, it originates from the region of Galicia, which is now divided between Poland and Ukraine. A significant number of people with this last name can be traced back to this area during the 16th and 17th centuries. Over time, due to migration waves, the Teterycz family name has also been found in countries such as Canada, United States, and Australia, particularly among Ukrainian immigrants who sought a better life outside of Europe. In North America, the largest concentrations are observed in cities with strong Ukrainian communities, like Toronto, Winnipeg, and New York City.

Variants and spellings of the last name Teterycz

Teterycz is a surname with several variations in spelling due to differences in transcription and transliteration over time, as well as regional dialects and personal preferences. Some common variations include: Teterich, Tetericky, Teteritz, Teteritzky, Teterjcz, Teterycz, Teterick, Teterik, Teterichuk, Teterisch, Teteritsch, and Teterisz. These variations can be found in various countries, particularly among individuals of Ukrainian or Czech descent. It's essential to note that these spellings may not represent the exact pronunciation in each case, as the phonetic rules for Slavic languages can be complex.

Famous people with the last name Teterycz

Notable individuals with the surname Teterych include:

1. John Teterych - A Canadian ice hockey player who played professionally for the Boston Bruins and Chicago Black Hawks during the late 1940s and early 1950s. He was a member of the Bruins' Stanley Cup-winning team in 1941.

2. Michael Teterych - A Canadian musician, songwriter, and producer, best known for his work with the alternative rock band Moist. The band achieved commercial success in the late 1990s and early 2000s, winning multiple Juno Awards.

3. Paul Teterych - An American professional ice hockey player who played for several National Hockey League (NHL) teams between 1967 and 1981. He is a two-time Stanley Cup champion, having won the trophy with the Montreal Canadiens in 1971 and 1973.

4. Richard Teterych - A Canadian politician who served as the member of parliament for the riding of Saskatoon—Rosetown—Biggar from 2000 to 2015, representing the Conservative Party of Canada. He was appointed Minister of State (Finance) in 2008 and Minister of State (Treasury Board) in 2011.

These individuals have made significant contributions in their respective fields, demonstrating the versatility and success that can be associated with the Teterych surname.

Genealogical research on the last name Teterycz

The surname Teterycz originates from Eastern Europe, particularly Ukraine and Poland. It is a variant of the Ukrainian surname Тетерюк (Teteriuk), which comes from the personal name Teteria or Teteryk. The name was likely a diminutive form of names containing the element "tetery," meaning "pigeon" in Old Slavic languages, reflecting the original bearer's occupation or physical feature.

The earliest recorded instances of the surname date back to the 16th century in Poland and Ukraine. The spelling variations of Teterycz include Teteruk, Teterukh, Teterych, and others, which resulted from translation errors, regional dialects, and changes in recording practices over time.

The Teterycz family migrated to North America primarily during the late 19th and early 20th centuries due to political unrest, famine, and economic hardship. Many settled in the United States and Canada, particularly in industrial cities such as Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and Cleveland, Ohio, where they worked in steel mills and coal mines.

In summary, the Teterycz surname has roots in Eastern Europe and is a variant of Ukrainian origin. It is characterized by various spelling variations due to historical recording practices and regional dialects, and the family migrated to North America in significant numbers during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

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 : 31 July 2025

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